New investments from Japan seen

TOKYO — The Philippines foresees new investments from Japan in the near future, especially with the adoption of Japan’s standard for digital television, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez said Tuesday.

Lopez said some Japanese companies would likely set up shop in the Philippines to produce equipment like set-top boxes.

“We expect to see some Japanese companies set up shop in the Philippines to produce things like set-top boxes and other items related to the digital TV and we can expect employment and opportunities for Filipinos in this area of business,” he said.

Earlier this year, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the government was adopting Japan’s Integrated Service Digital Broadcasting Terrestrial (ISDB-T) standard.

This standard, which can be carried through modern mobile devices, supports an emergency alarm system that can warn the public about possible calamities.

Also, Lopez said the Philippines was now looking forward to when it could finally approve an automotive road map.

Once this is done, there will also be increased activity in the Philippines by Japanese carmakers.

Such companies are expected to increase their activity “from assembly to manufacturing,” he added.