Japanese investors continue to view the Philippines as an attractive destination despite global economic uncertainties and shifting business conditions, according to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) Manila Branch managing director and country head Hiroyasu Kanda.
“I believe Japanese investors still have a strong interest in looking for business opportunities in the Philippines,” Kanda said at the ASEAN Business Media Exchange on Thursday. “Given the current significant changes in the environment, they are reviewing their business strategies, but we are confident the Philippines will continue to attract more Japanese investors.”
Kanda cited the country’s economic potential and ongoing policy reforms, including the CREATE MORE law, as key factors boosting investor confidence. Renewable energy also continues to draw strong interest, and Kanda expects attention in this sector to grow further.
As a partner bank supporting the Board of Investments and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, SMBC helps attract foreign businesses while noting investors seek continued improvements in logistics infrastructure and customs processes.
SMBC forecasts the peso to trade between P60.75 and P61.25 against the US dollar in 2026, Philippine GDP growth at 4 percent, inflation between 6 and 6.5 percent, and the central bank policy rate at 4.75 to 5 percent next year.
