Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual and Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry during the ASEAN-Japan Business Week 2023 on Monday, June 5, in Tokyo, Japan.
Pascual requested Japan to consider enhanced market access for key Philippine exports such as cavendish bananas. In exchange, Pascual mentioned that the Philippines is likewise ready to consider Japan's interest in key sectors such as automotive products. But Japan is likely to negotiate in the PJEPA general review for greater access for its industrial products, particularly some tariff lines on petrochemicals and steel, and its automotive products.