Premium Filipino products coming to Japan soon
Ma. Cristina Roque—NIÑO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has forged new trade partnerships with top Japanese fashion and lifestyle companies, a strategic move aimed at expanding market access for premium Filipino products in Japan.
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque met with executives from Etoile Kaito & Co. Inc. and Adastria Co. Ltd. on March 3 to strengthen retail and supply chain investments.
“The exceptional creativity and craftsmanship of Filipinos deserve global recognition, and the Philippines is ready to take its place as a key player in the international fashion and lifestyle industry,” Roque says in a press statement.
“Under the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ vision, we are committed to leveraging strong partnerships with global industry leaders like Etoile Kaito & Co. Inc. and Adastria Co. Ltd. to expand trade, drive innovation and showcase the unmatched talent of our people,” she adds.
The DTI says that Etoile Kaito & Co. Inc., a leading Japanese business-to-business wholesaler, has committed to support Philippine-made interior and lifestyle products.
It adds that the company is currently diversifying its portfolio by sourcing unique items crafted from indigenous materials such as capiz shells and abaca.
Etoile plans to use materials sourced from the country to export a variety of products, including flower vases, gardening pots, wall decorations and fashion accessories like abaca bags and small containers, according to DTI.
The DTI cites rising global demand for Philippine-made handmade Christmas decorations during the winter season, alongside the enduring popularity of abaca, capiz and shell-finished interiors and accessories in the summer months.
Investing in PH
Aside from providing better market access, Roque says the Japanese company had shared its expansion plans, such as introducing Japanese merchandise to the local market through partnerships with established local distributors.
READ: Japanese firms keen on expansion in PH.
Leading Japanese apparel retailer Adastria Co. Ltd., which has a portfolio of 45 brands, is also set to expand its presence in the Philippines.
The DTI cites plans to open multiple new stores and introduce additional brands such as Global Work, Lowrys Farm and LAKOLE.
Roque visited Japan with economic and investment czar Frederick Go from March 3 to 4, generating at least P23.5 billion worth of investment commitments.
READ: Steady growth, economic reforms spur Japanese interest in PH.
