Talks reinforce Japan’s role in PH infrastructure, energy, and economic transition
The Philippines and Japan held the 16th meeting of the Japan–Philippines High-Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation in Osaka on September 11, 2025. The meeting was co-chaired by Dr. Mori Masafumi, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan; Finance Secretary Ralph Recto; and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.
Both sides welcomed the progress in bilateral cooperation across infrastructure, disaster risk management, ICT, agriculture, and energy—building on the commitments made during the Japan-Philippines Summit in April. Special Advisor Mori emphasized that as the two nations approach the 70th anniversary of diplomatic normalization in 2026, Japan is committed to following through on infrastructure and disaster management projects and exploring deeper cooperation, including mobilization of private sector funds.
The Philippine and Japanese delegations reaffirmed their partnership in supporting the Philippines’ socio-economic development. This includes continued collaboration in disaster prevention, railway and road infrastructure, ICT, the Mindanao peace process, and the energy transition—key areas aligned with the Philippines’ goal of achieving upper middle-income country status.
Both governments also underscored the importance of sustained coordination between their respective ministries and agencies to advance concrete projects that foster inclusive growth and economic resilience.
Ahead of the meeting, Special Advisor Mori accompanied Philippine economic ministers, including Recto and Balisacan, to the Osaka-Kansai Expo, symbolizing the shared vision of future-oriented cooperation between Japan and the Philippines.
The Joint Committee was first established in 2017 following former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s pledge of enhanced ODA and private sector investments in the Philippines. Since then, it has served as a key platform for monitoring and accelerating flagship cooperation projects under Japan’s support for the country’s economic agenda.