Gov’t seeks Japan help in e-vehicle manufacturing

The Philippines is eyeing to collaborate with Japan on a new project for the manufacture and deployment of electric vehicles, with the end goal of accessing advanced low-carbon technologies and reducing its carbon footprint.

The details are expected to be threshed out when a Philippine business delegation, headed by Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, visits Japan in October this year.

“We are exploring the possibility of manufacturing and deploying electric vehicles using Japanese technology in selected parts of the country through Japan’s New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (Nedo) or the Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM),” Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines president Rommel Juan said in a text message.

Nedo is reportedly Japan’s largest public management organization aimed at promoting research and development and the deployment of industrial, energy and environmental technologies. The JCM, meanwhile, was set up by the Japanese government to help facilitate the dissemination of leading low-carbon technologies and systems, among others, in developing countries.

“We are still in the process of fleshing out details, which included identifying potential project sites, partner institutions and appropriate business models. Ours is a unique case so both sides are studying carefully how to best implement the project so we can get maximum benefit in terms of developing a sustainable electric vehicle industry as well as generating more jobs for the country. The industry is being assisted by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Board of Investments in this endeavor,” Juan explained. Amy R. Remo