Hitachi urged to expand in PHL

Japanese electronics giant Hitachi Ltd. is being wooed to consider the Philippines as a long-term partner in the region.

Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez extended the invitation at a seminar-forum on the Philippines by Hitachi's Philippine Committee, the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo said.

"Citing the electronics giant’s expanding global reach, current presence in the Philippines, and reputation for quality and innovation, Lopez remarked that Hitachi has barely scratched the surface of the potential of its relationship with the Philippines," the embassy said.

Some 60 Hitachi executives and personnel from various divisions and units attended the event.

During the event, Lopez projected the Philippines as a "high-growth country with solid economic fundamentals, an investor-friendly environment, and a young and talented workforce that can help enhance the company’s profitability."

Also, he noted the Philippines’ comparative advantages in business process management (BPM), manufacturing, and renewable energy – high-growth areas where Hitachi can expand its operations in the Philippines.

Hitachi makes products ranging from consumer electronics to industrial-grade machinery and high-technology devices.

It presently has a "significant presence" in the Philippines through its plants in Subic and Cavite, the embassy said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News