Japan execs explore trade opportunities in Mandaue

The dignitaries from Ayabe City, Japan, led by Mayor Zenta Hamazaki join the Mandaue City officials headed by Mayor Luis “Luigi” Quisumbing (CDN PHOTO/NORMAN MENDOZA).

The dignitaries from Ayabe City, Japan, met with the Mandaue City Hall officials upon the invitation of Mayor Luis “Luigi” Quisumbing to look for possible investment opportunities in the highly urbanized city.

Led by Ayabe City Mayor Zenya Hamazaki, the dignitaries from Japanese universities, chamber of commerce, business establishments and the departments of public health, agriculture and planning, and finance, were given a tour of Mandaue City’s business, school and government establishments.

Mayor Hamazaki said the purpose of their visit was to look for a possible investment and learn from the best practices of both cities.

He stressed that they were also looking at the Philippines as an option where they can send their students to learn the English language.

Japan is also looking for ways to deal with the problems caused by the aging population.

“Your President (Rodrigo Duterte) just visited Japan and warmly greeted by Prime Minister Abe. I know that a good relation between both countries is very important, and locals must also establish cooperation,” said Hamazaki.

“We might help provide quality health care services (to the elderly people in Japan) and maybe skilled workers as well, as they are here to visit technical and vocational schools to see the level of competency among the students,” said Quisumbing.

The dignitaries were warmly received by Mandaue City officials at the session hall for a simple program and lunch on Monday morning, the second day of their three-day visit.

They also met with the members of Mandaue City Chamber of Commerce in the evening.

Mandaue City First Lady Maricar Quisumbing also handed over the city’s delicacies to Mayor Hamazaki, as well as a hanging rice lamp shade from Councilor Cynthia Remedio, a book containing Mandaue’s history from Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna and a symbol of friendship key from Mayor Quisumbing.

The Japanese visitors also gave gifts to Mandaue City officials, including textile products manufactured in their city.