Japan deals to create 200,000 jobs, says DTI chief

President Duterte's visit in Japan is expected to generate 200,000 jobs.

MANILA - Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) secretary Ramon Lopez said that Japanese and Filipino businesses will sign 12 deals during the official visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Japan, that will generate some 200,000 jobs in the next few years.

In a text message Tuesday, Lopez told Manila-based reporters that the commitments from Japanese companies will be in the sectors of automotive, vehicle parts, electric vehicles, shipbuilding and ship repair, biomass fuel, renewable energy, solar and energy management system, optical image stabilizers, and agriculture.

“(We’re) bullish in further strengthening trade and investments from Japan,” he said.

“Japan is our largest trading partner with over USD18 billion of total trade. We export more than we import and we have USD6.0 billion trade surplus, which is a big help to our economy.”

The trade secretary is joining President Duterte in his official trip to Japan until Thursday.

Lopez had earlier stressed the administration’s push to revitalize partnership with Asian neighbors. [By Kris M. Crismundo, PNA]