DTI chief Pascual fosters creative collaboration to boost PH economy

TOKYO, JAPAN–On 17 December 2023, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual called for a strengthened innovative economic partnership with Japan to foster shared opportunities and prosperity during the Creative and Sustainable Economy Through Innovation event held at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo. Secretary Pascual emphasized the significant contribution of the Philippine creative industry in fostering robust and inclusive economic growth, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). 

"Our strategic collaboration with Japan aims to foster dynamic and innovative economies for both countries. These groundbreaking collaborations showcase the boundless potential of our creative industries in propelling inclusive growth and our collective pursuit of sustainable development." Secretary Pascual stressed. 

The DTI chief, through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Tokyo, highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Philippines and Japan in advancing a sustainable economy rooted in innovation. He lauded the four (4) pioneering Philippine-Japan projects, including breakthrough collaboration on game development, food, textiles, and fashion design. 

The trade and industry chief recognized the collaboration of Neun Farben and Tsuburaya Productions, showcasing breakthrough technology in recreating Japanese characters as three-dimensional (3D) models. Neun Farben is a subsidiary of Japan's FLAME Ltd. and the X PLUS Group, known for three-dimensional (3D) computer graphics and video production, ranging from realistic designs to stylized anime creations. 

Further, the DTI Secretary boasted the significant partnership between Auro Chocolate, a premiere Filipino tree-to-bar chocolate brand, and Ikeda Senchado, a Japanese heritage brand of 10th-grade tea master Kenta Ikeda. This partnership embarked on Matcha, Hojicha, and Philippine cacao blended flavors, earning gold acclaim in the International Chocolate Awards 2023 World Finals. 

The DTI chief also commended Japan's eco-friendly Banana Cloth initiatives, boosting the Philippines as a producer and exporter of bananas, transforming peel into fabric for contemporary clothing. He shared that the Paris Fashion Week turned the global spotlight to a modern Japanese kimono made from banana fiber. 

In addition, the trade and industry chief lauded the Manila Fashion Festival, a joint venture between the Go Lifestyle Group and STYLEM Takisada-Osaka Co., Ltd. The festival featured traditional Filipino designs made with the innovative fusion of the country’s indigenous fibers and high-quality Japanese fabrics.  

Highlighting the potential of the global creative industry, Secretary Pascual cited the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's (UNCTAD) report indicating that global exports of creative goods and services reached USD 1.6 trillion in 2020, and poised to contribute 10% of the global GDP by 2030, as projected by Forbes.

“Through innovative partnerships and collaborative efforts showcased in this event, we have affirmed the Philippines' commitment to fostering inclusive growth and sustainability. Beyond upholding the UN SDGs, let’s work together to empower the creative industries as we usher in a vibrant and creative economy for all,” Secretary Pascual underscored.   

The Creative and Sustainable Economy Through Innovation event was held on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Japan 50th Year Commemorative Summit, championing “Friendship and Cooperation,” aimed to harness mutual economic potential to propel the Philippines and Japan’s economies to new heights.