The Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) recently embarked on a groundbreaking investment mission to Japan, led by Administrator and CEO Mohammed Hussein P. Pangandaman. This strategic endeavor aimed to spotlight the diverse investment opportunities within the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) and foster valuable partnerships with key stakeholders in Japan’s vibrant business landscape.
As they conclude their trip to Japan, Administrator and CEO Pangandaman, alongside the entire AFAB delegation, was able to present investment opportunities in the FAB to thirty-nine (39) interested Japanese companies, forge strong partnership with three (3) Philippine offices in Japan, and meet two (2) Japanese chamber of commerce. In addition, the agency has relayed its interest in participating to the upcoming World Expo 2025 to be held in Kansai, Japan and was consequently invited to conduct an AFAB Investment Summit in Osaka and Tokyo.
During their visit, AFAB’s delegation, including Office of the Administrator Group Head Atty. Percival Peralta, AFAB Consultant for International Investments and Marketing Atty. Paisal Abdullah, and Registration Division OIC Alejandro Sugatain, engaged in a series of high-level meetings with influential business organizations, government offices, and representatives. Endorsed by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center – Osaka (PTIC-Osaka), these discussions centered around exploring avenues for collaboration towards mutual growth and development.
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One of the highlights of the mission was the engagement with the Osaka International Business Promotion Center (OIBPC), where Administrator and CEO Pangandaman underscored the unique investment landscape offered by the FAB. Emphasizing the Freeport’s potential for emerging industries, particularly in sectors like blockchain, financial technology, and online gaming, AFAB positioned itself as a prime destination for forward-thinking investors seeking dynamic opportunities.
Moreover, discussions with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) shed light on the ASEAN-Japan Business Promotion Platform, presenting AFAB with an invaluable opportunity to showcase its offerings on an international scale. They also expressed interest in “Green” Tech/Businesses, aligning with AFAB’s commitment to sustainability.
At the Philippine Consulate General in Osaka, the AFAB’s delegation engaged in a dialogue with Consul General Voltaire Mauricio, where AFAB’s progressive policies on interactive gaming and offshore digital assets were deliberated upon.
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AFAB also met with a representative from the Entrepreneurial Museum and Challenge and Innovation (EMCI) in Osaka, where they gained valuable insights into Japan’s entrepreneurial culture. Administrator and CEO Pangandaman also paid a visit to the Migrant Workers Office in Osaka to share ongoing projects and future targets of AFAB, and several points of possible collaboration and partnership.
The AFAB team has made the most of its limited time in Japan and was able to meet a company that is into golf course development and operates several onsen in Japan. Said company showed strong interest in knowing AFAB more and the investment opportunities it presents. In addition, the team also met with a space concierge company, a gaming company, a group of companies with 18 subsidiary-companies, a manager of a commercial television, and an executive officer of Japan’s prominent pachinko industry media brand. The AFAB team was able to present investment opportunities in the FAB to at least 28 Japanese companies through the assistance and arrangement of Star of Asia International and Asset Anastas Group, companies that has shown interest to become a Business Developer for AFAB ODAL and a Master Licensee for AFAB’s Interactive Gaming License.
AFAB’s mission culminated in fruitful discussions with several prospective investors, including notable businesses specializing in financial technology such as Toyoken Co., Ltd. and Momosuke Inc. In separate engagements, AFAB’s delegation was able to present AFAB’s unique process of acquiring an Offshore Digital Assets License and Interactive Gaming License, garnering interest from industry players.
In this Japan investment mission, the AFAB have successfully forged strategic partnerships, leveraging the Freeport’s enabling legal framework and conducive environment for the emerging technologies industry.