By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Japanese manufacturing giant Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. is planning to expand its operations in the Philippines as demand for electric vehicle (EV) components continues to surge worldwide.
The expansion plans were discussed during recent meetings between company officials and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority in Japan, where investment opportunities in high-value manufacturing and emerging technologies were explored.
Shin-Etsu currently operates in the country through the production, assembly, magnetizing, and recycling of rare earth magnets used in semiconductors, optical devices, electric steering systems, hybrid vehicles, and EVs.
The company already employs around 4,300 Filipino workers and is seen as one of the key foreign manufacturing locators supporting the country’s growing electronics sector.
PEZA officials said the possible expansion could further strengthen the Philippines’ role in the global EV supply chain as automakers shift toward cleaner technologies.
Aside from electronics manufacturing, PEZA also met with E-SUPPORTLINK Ltd., a Japanese agri-tech company specializing in artificial intelligence and drone-powered crop monitoring systems.
The company is currently working with local agencies and banana producers in Davao City to pilot technology designed to detect crop diseases and improve farm productivity.
PEZA said E-SUPPORTLINK is also studying the possible expansion of its AI processing operations in the Philippines while exploring opportunities involving coconut, cacao, and pineapple farms.
PEZA Director-General Tereso O. Panga said Japan remains one of the Philippines’ strongest investment partners, especially in high-value manufacturing, digital services, agri-technology, and support industries.
The investment promotion mission also included meetings with major Japanese firms involved in construction, healthcare devices, precision equipment, digital services, and industrial manufacturing, as the government pushes to attract more foreign investments into the country.
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