DAVAO City is again in the international spotlight as a delegation from Hitachinaka City, Japan, visited to explore potential economic partnerships and opportunities for local expansion. This visit marks another milestone in strengthening Davao's growing economic ties with Japan, highlighting its appeal as a prime business and investment destination.
The delegation, led by Deputy Mayor Kouji Yoshidomi, met with local officials on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the newly inaugurated Councilor’s Lounge in the Sangguniang Panlungsod building. It included representatives from the Hitachinaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, to foster cross-border economic relations.
Davao City Vice-Mayor Atty. J. Melchor Quitain Jr. warmly welcomed the visitors, and April Marie Dayap, Officer-in-Charge of the Davao City Investment Promotion Center, emphasized the importance of these efforts in enhancing business development and investment between the two cities.
Yoshidomi noted the history of economic ties between Hitachinaka and Davao, referencing previous agreements with local business groups, including the Mindanao Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2018) and the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2019). However, these initiatives were delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This time, I visited to gain a deeper understanding of the current economic landscape in Davao after the pandemic and to discuss avenues for future exchanges between our cities,” Yoshidomi said.
The delegation also attended the 65th Birthday Reception of Emperor Naruhito, hosted by the Consulate General of Japan at the SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang Premier, Davao City, underscoring the strengthening of diplomatic and cultural ties.
Hitachinaka, located in Ibaraki Prefecture and 110 kilometers north of Tokyo, is an industrial port city known for its proximity to Tokyo, major transportation hubs, and thriving commercial sectors, including fishing, shipping, agriculture, and tourism. Among its most famous exports is high-quality dried sweet potatoes, which have earned international recognition.
As Davao City continues to gain recognition as a business hub in Southeast Asia, the renewed interest from Hitachinaka City underscores the growing importance of economic cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. DEF