BDO Unibank Inc. hosted a delegation from the Kyoto Employers Association (KEA) at the BDO Makati headquarters recently in a bid to strengthen trade and talent ties as Japanese companies diversify their international footprint to drive regional growth.
KEA is one of Kyoto Prefecture’s four major economic organizations, representing over 430 member companies including global firms such as Kyocera, Nidec, Horiba and Shimadzu.
The Japanese delegation was composed of next generation leaders aged 50 and below, and are from diverse industries, ranging from automotive, real estate, IT and web services, graphic design to food manufacturing, refrigeration systems, waste paper recycling, and legal consultancy, highlighting Kyoto’s dynamic and multifaceted economic landscape.
Organized in collaboration with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Osaka, the visit was part of KEA’s first business mission to the Philippines. Led by Monina Elena Camigla, BDO Unibank’s Senior Vice President and Deputy Department Head of Financial Institutions and International Desks, BDO provided the group with firsthand insights into the Philippine market, labor conditions and investment prospects.
While most Japanese business engagements have historically been concentrated in Tokyo and Osaka, the meeting with BDO centered on expanding cooperation between Kyoto-based companies and Philippine stakeholders.
As the only bank in the country with comprehensive International Desks, BDO offers a multicultural team of relationship managers and advisors who possess extensive international and local banking experience.
Established in 2007, BDO’s Japan Desk has grown, with Japanese speaking personnel dedicated to market and service Japanese companies operating in the Philippines, and service the retail needs of Japanese customers.
The visit of the KEA delegation to BDO reflects Japan’s increasing recognition of the Philippines’ investment potential and underscores the importance of established, reliable partners such as BDO in driving long-term growth.