Military planes, development assistance and lucrative investments are among the big-ticket items President Rodrigo Duterte may seek to finalize and obtain as he moves to enhance the country’s economic and defense alliance with Japan this week.
The president will travel to Tokyo on Tuesday, October 25, to reaffirm bilateral ties and scale up strategic partnership between the Philippines and Japan, a week after he cozied up with Japan’s regional rival China.
The state visit, which will involve meetings with Emperor Akihito, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and business leaders, coincides with the 60th anniversary of establishment of Philippines–Japan diplomatic relations.
Philippine Consul General to Japan, Marian Jocelyn Ignacio, said one of the highlights of the president’s trip is the planned lease of military planes from Japan, which could reportedly be used to safeguard the country’s claims in the disputed South China Sea.
“There’s a lot of interest in develop in defense cooperation so what we are really anticipating right now and what we are very excited about is the possibility that there might be a lease of [Beechcraft TC-90 training planes] by Japan to the Philippines,” Ignacio said in a media interview.
The proposed accord also involves Japan’s possible commitment to help the Philippines train pilots and aircraft mechanics.
Ignacio added eight lucrative Japanese investments deals might also be finalized during the president’s visit to Tokyo, with the president to witness the signing of business ventures on manufacturing and agricultural sectors on Wednesday.
Another highlight of the president’s trip is Japan’s possible offer to the Philippines of HARVEST (Harnessing Agri-business Opportunities for Robust and Vibrant Entrepreneurship Supportive of Peaceful Transformation) loan, is a credit facility that seeks to promote agriculture development particularly in Mindanao.
At present, Japan is Philippines’ top trading and source of official development assistance.
On Sunday, the president said he was looking forward to a productive visit to Japan, particularly in getting “soft loans” needed to bankroll projects benefiting Filipinos.
The post Military, Dev’t, Investment Deals Expected From Duterte’s Japan Visit appeared first on Manila Bulletin
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