Atotonilco water treatment plant  |  © Mitsui de Mexico

As a country with an economy constantly on the rise, Mexico is a place where businesses have good potential for growth.

Companies such as Mitsui & Co. (Mitsui) saw this potential and has been developing its business in the country since 1955, nearly 70 years ago. The name, however, has been present since the 1910s, when the former Mitsui & Co., which is not a continuation of the current company in legal terms, started a cotton trading business.

Over the years, Mitsui shifted its focus from the trading business to operations more rooted in Mexico.

“Mitsui has exponentially grown since 2008 especially in the infrastructure area, with the acquisition of operating companies of power generation and water treatment business, as well as the development of new infrastructures. Mitsui, through its subsidiary Atlatec, has developed the Atotonilco water treatment plant, which sanitizes the wastewater emitted from the metropolitan area with a population of 20 million. We have also developed natural gas-related infrastructures, such as liquid natural gas receiving terminals,” said Michihiro Nose, president of Mitsui de Mexico.

“Regarding the steel business, we provide the automotive industry with coil processing services and semi-finished goods, besides our traditional business of importing steel,” he added.

Recently, Mitsui also started its efforts in the agriculture sector with the acquisition of Adelnor, a distributor of fertilizer, pesticide and other agricultural supplies.

To strengthen its operations in the country, Mitsui is also looking into several other segments, such as eco-friendly infrastructure and health care.

“Now we are willing to bring unique expertise and solutions from our worldwide experience and business innovations in order to improve our operations in Mexico and continue contributing to the development of the country in this way,” Nose concluded.

www.mitsui.com/mx/en/index.html

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Mobility

Approximately seventy percent of light-weight modern automotive vehicles are made from resins.

Polypropylene compounds, Ethylene-Propylene Terpolymer (MITSUI EPT™), Adhesive polyolefin (ADMER™), Thermoplastic olefinic elastomer (MILASTOMER™) and other engineering plastics continue to make vehicles lighter and tougher.

Health care

Mitsui Chemicals’ eye-glass lenses focus on vision correction and eye protection through the use of ultra-violate (UV) blocking polymers.

Food and packaging

Mitsui Chemicals solutions eliminate food waste and greatly advance food safety and security. The company’s multi-layered packaging films employ a ‘gas barrier’ effect to make food last longer.

www.mitsuichem.com
mccn.mitsuichemicals.cn

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Çalık Holding is the first company in Turkey that became a member of Keidanren and this year Ahmet Çalık was honored with the ‘Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon’ by the Emperor of Japan.

Recently, Çalık Holding was invited by Japan to attend the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD7) as part of the Turkish delegation.

At the Conference, Ahmet Çalık said, “TICAD7 was a great event for the company to envision new opportunities in Africa as we develop new projects that are currently in the pipeline as part of our expansion strategy”, and added, “We are currently considering new projects where we will offer integrated solutions in Africa together with the Japanese companies in the upcoming period. Our top priority has always been to offer added value for people’s lives and to ease their lives.

Looking towards the future of the Group, Çalık said “Digitalization is our top priority in the near term. We are undertaking digitalization processes both for the entire group-wide operations, and we are also providing digitalization- oriented services in various fields.”

Ahmet Çalık further said, “Japanese companies have a very significant place in the world in terms of technology and digitalization, whereas we have strong market ties across several geographies and qualified human resources. We will develop new business opportunities in the upcoming period by consolidating our strengths. Our capability to jointly do sustainable business as Çalık Group with the Japanese companies is also acknowledged as an added value and an assurance by our customers of different geographies and fields.”

www.calik.com/en/homepage

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“I am delighted with our partnership, the timing couldn’t have been better,” Atik said. “In the course of five years, we have managed to introduce and integrate Japan’s best railway technologies to our country’s rapidly growing infrastructure projects. By improving safety, efficiency and reliability of railway and mass transit systems, HRS products have been very well received thus far.”

One such project is Ankara’s Metro system, which is expanding to four lines and upgrading current lines. Sun Group are supplying Hitachi signaling systems to handle and operate the capital’s entire metro system. The Turkish government also recently announced plans to connect all of Turkey’s major cities with high-speed rail, an ambitious project that Sun Group is confident in contributing to.

The group is very open to developing new partnerships with Japanese organizations in other areas of activity, particularly renewable energy and mining.

“I believe more collaborations can be made between the two countries,” Atik said. “With Japanese technology and know-how, combined with Turkey’s young and active business minds, we can build new opportunities, not just in Turkey, but in neighboring countries, as well as in Africa.”

www.sunltd.com.tr/eng

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“The Japanese view of product development enables Turkish businesses such as Tosyali Holding to market value-added products, helping us extend the reach of our presence in different regions across the globe,” said Fuat Tosyali, chairman of Tosyali Holding.

The success of the group increases the investment appetite of Japanese companies in terms of cooperation for African investments with Turkish companies.

“By combining Turkish companies’ regional experience with Japan’s technological skills, our countries can develop successful joint projects in Africa in the future,” said Tosyali.

Despite the sectoral challenges and economic recession continuing all over the world, the company remains optimistic on conducting business in Africa thanks to the investments it has made in Algeria.

“Ever since we invested in Algeria, Tosyalı Holding started to adapt to its culture and values,” Tosyali said.

The company feels that this move will not only help its operations in the region, but also in other countries across the globe.

“We believe that by doing this, we are not only making industrial investments in the countries where we invest, but we are also strengthening our ties with them as we meet the social needs of their people,” concluded Tosyali.

www.tosyaliholding.com.tr/en

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Driven by the country’s sound macroeconomic fundamentals and growth prospects, particularly in infrastructure, the Philippines continues to rank among the best countries to invest in. This has led to a growing interest from foreign companies, specifically Japan, to invest in the country.

Among the conglomerates that have taken the opportunities is the Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). The bank has recently formed partnerships with three Japanese banks: two from the Kansai Mirai Financial Group, Inc. under Resona Holdings Inc., namely the Osaka-based Kansai Urban Banking Corp. and the Kobe-based Minato Bank; and Shoko Chukin Bank, a Japanese government institution that supports small and midsized enterprises (SME).

These deals seek to encourage and support Japanese businesses, especially SME, to invest in ecozones in the Philippines, particularly in the financial, retail and infrastructure sectors.

This partnership likewise opens better prospects for Philippine companies who wish to do business with Japan — a win-win for the economies of both countries.

RCBC has had a long and solid relationship with the Japanese market since 1974.

This alliance is in line with the bank’s mandate to extend its robust and innovative products and services by way of fostering and strengthening both local and global partnerships, all solidifying its role in improving Filipino lives.

For more information, visit www.rcbc.com  or contact the Japanese Business Relationship Office at +632 894 9000 local 1433.

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Malayan Insurance Company, Inc. has secured its position as a leader in the nonlife insurance industry in the Philippines in terms of gross premiums written (GPW) and assets for 2018, according to unaudited industry figures recently released by the Insurance Commission (IC).

In 2018, Malayan Insurance produced GPW amounting to 10.16 billion pesos. With a significant lead over the next insurer, Malayan Insurance has been the dominant nonlife insurer for Philippine businesses and families for almost 50 years.

Malayan Insurance has likewise led the industry in terms of assets, reporting 34.28 billion pesos in total assets for year-end 2018, according to the IC. This makes Malayan Insurance the largest nonlife insurer in the Philippines.

Malayan Insurance has been introducing new products and services into the Philippine non-life insurance market, with the launch of its Travelite budget travel insurance and Motomax motorcycle insurance, an affordable total loss only cover for the growing motorcycle market.

Malayan Insurance is the only Philippine nonlife insurance company rated by AM Best, a global rating authority for the insurance industry. AM Best has affirmed the rating of Malayan Insurance with Financial Strength Rating: B++ (Good), and Insurer Credit Rating BBB+, providing the Philippine insuring public with world-class insurance protection.

Founded in 1930, Malayan Insurance is a member of the Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC), and has been the Philippine partner of Japan’s Tokio Marine and Nichido Fire Insurance since 1964.

www.malayan.com

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These are undertaken by the private sector in partnership with the government of the Philippines. The bank is well-positioned to syndicate or bankroll funds for companies able to secure other projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program. The Philippines remains awash with cash and we are inclined to support green, sustainable and renewable energy projects.

Cesar E.A. Virata: Our primary goal has always been and will continue to be supporting the people of the Philippines and the economy. We have been focusing on creating opportunities for people who live in provincial areas. These initiatives align perfectly with current infrastructure projects and the construction of airports and hospitals.

SMS: What makes YGC’s business model so effective across multiple business sectors?

Helen Yuchengco Dee: Ingrained in YGC are its core values: forward-thinking, service excellence, teamwork, a sense of urgency, professionalism and accountability. These values drive the business forward. Our business model encourages and facilitates synergies across our business sectors. We are able to take advantage of the strengths of each business unit to help other units within our conglomerate and promote sustained profitability and stability.

Guided by our core values, RCBC continuously works hard to provide investment vehicles, funding options to businesses and opportunities for every Filipino who wants their own home, car and business.

The awards brought home by Mapua University, one of the top engineering schools in Manila, and RCBC are proof that we are on the right track. We continue to implement innovative teaching methods at Mapua University and strive to ensure the university is a place where theory meets practice in order to continue the establishment’s “outcome-based” education system. Mapua University was among the first to implement online lectures for college students and in-class lectures are recorded and uploaded online for students to revisit at their convenience.

Our strategic partnerships with international universities allow our students to explore an expanded “network of learning,” while always keeping Mapua University ahead of the curve.

Cesar E.A. Virata: The healthy lending activities throughout the country have been driven by the excellent economic performance of the Philippines for the past five years. As a result, every RCBC market segment has seen significant growth, including the five year compound annual growth rate for corporates at 9 percent, small and midsized enterprises at 20 percent and consumers at 17 percent. The progressive Philippine economy has allowed RCBC to expand its reach and diversify its business services into fields such as microfinance lending and digital banking. RCBC is committed to empowering Filipinos. We want to be a driving force that contributes to building the economy and developing industries while acting as a bridge to improve every Filipino’s quality of life.

SMS: How has YGC been able to benefit from the recent influx of foreign investment?

Helen Yuchengco Dee: We have received many inquiries from foreign companies to establish joint ventures with us, either in our existing businesses or in new businesses. Malayan Insurance has seen business growth through its travel insurance products. With more Filipinos achieving a higher earning capacity and traveling to local and international destinations, there has also been an increase in awareness regarding travel insurance for their protection.

SMS: What factors are bringing Japan and the Philippines closer together during this ‘golden era of strategic partnership’?

Helen Yuchengco Dee: The Philippines has always expressed confidence in its relations with Japan. The Japanese government announced that it will provide maximum support for rehabilitation efforts in Marawi, the capital of Lanao Del Sur and rolled out a $9 billion investment plan for the Philippines over a five-year period. Commitments such as this confirm that Japan is a strategic ally in advancing peace, progress and prosperity.

As Francis Laurel, president of The Philippines-Japan Society, said, “Honesty, innovation and a strong work ethic” are values that our two nations continue to share when it comes to advocating this important partnership.

SMS: To what do you attribute the successful Japanese partnerships established across YGC’s businesses?

Helen Yuchengco Dee: The success of these partnerships is deeply rooted in respect, transparency and trust. The alliances we have forged have been mutually beneficial for both YGC and its partner companies. The desire for each party to succeed is evident in every partnership and understanding how each company’s strengths can be harnessed for the benefit of each joint venture is one of the most vital components for success.

The long-standing partnership between Malayan Insurance and Tokio Marine (founded in 1879 as the first insurance company in Japan) is a good example. Tokio Marine is able to offer its products and services to the Filipino public through Malayan Insurance with efficient practices that we have implemented. This has allowed us to benefit our customer base and grow our businesses together.

SMS: What future ventures can we expect from YGC?

Helen Yuchengco Dee: Conglomerates such as YGC can convert demands driven by economic growth into opportunities. In line with the “Build, Build, Build” program, JP Systems Asia Inc. (an affiliate of EEI Corp.) is working in partnership with two Japanese construction firms to deliver scaffolding and rent formwork for projects. The venture aims to support the Philippine construction industry by supplying high-quality shoring and scaffolding products while incorporating Japanese techniques, standards and disciplines in construction projects across the country.

As ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) integration moves forward, we are considering the merger of RCBC and RCBC Savings Bank to build a stronger institution able to compete with international banks. We are confident that by joining the two we can incorporate the best practices implemented by both banks to form a “double-barrelled” corporation.

Cesar E.A. Virata: We believe the Philippines’ robust growth will continue, moving the country toward the upper-middle income category. We will remain sensitive to opportunities and will continue to invest in talent, automation and processes that will further enhance synergies within the group.

www.ygc.com
www.eei.com.ph
www.rcbc.com
www.rcbcsavings.com
www.mapua.edu.ph
www.malayan.com
www.jpsys.com
www.philippinesjapansociety.com

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The company is focused on enhancing the infrastructure of the country, such as modernizing airports, sea ports and transportation infrastructure, and is keen to work with strategic local partners in this area.

“We will continue to seek new local partners in addition to strengthening our existing strategic partnerships and remain committed to the Malaysian economy,” said Kojima. “Malaysia is a welcoming foreign direct investment destination and is experiencing strong economic growth in key sectors. With the revisit of the Look East Policy, we want to encourage Japanese companies to reassess the investment opportunities Malaysia has to offer and reinvest with a renewed sense of confidence in the country, the economy and the people.”

Being strategically located with easy access to the huge Asia-Pacific markets, including China, Malaysia is an ideal choice as a manufacturing and distribution center with the added appeal of being a modern Islamic country that has links to the global Islamic markets.

www.mitsui.com

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Mitsubishi KL is active in a range of key sectors within the Malaysian economy. Areas of business include construction and infrastructure, investment, automotive, manufacturing and retail. Evoking the sense of the Malaysian people’s can-do attitude, Mitsubishi KL is well positioned to play an important role in Malaysia’s efforts to become a developed nation.

Sitting on the board of several leading companies, Ichikawa recognizes the strengths of Malaysia’s dynamic and diverse economy. By taking time to speak with people from all walks of life, Ichikawa has developed a holistic outlook toward people’s needs and the steps needed to improve the lives of those living in communities across the country.

MC Biotech and the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) are two examples of Mitsubishi KL’s commitment to delivering sustainable projects while contributing to the country and the region through corporate social responsibility initiatives.

MC Biotech in Brunei is cultivating astaxanthin-producing microalgae, which can potentially help economies diversify beyond oil and gas. With the government of Brunei’s efforts to preserve natural land, the country’s clean air quality and water make it an ideal location to encourage the growth of microalgae, and MC Biotech is driving biotechnology developments while encouraging the use of biofuels.

Since 2012, SBC has been exploring algae biodiversity in Sarawak, Malaysia. In addition to being a viable alternative biofuel energy source, applications include aquaculture and nutraceuticals. Mitsubishi KL is building a 1,000-square meter outdoor photobioreactor to support this important project.

“In Malaysia, I enjoy talking to people and learning of their dreams for the future of their country,” said Ichikawa. “We want to continue to support Malaysia and appreciate the fact that the people love their country. Mitsubishi KL is here to move forward together with Malaysia.”

Mitsubishi KL also works closely with national oil and gas company Petronas to ensure a steady supply of liquefied natural gas to Japan. The company is committed to educating and assisting local communities living near the company’s natural gas facility in Sarawak.

“Our hope is that we can play a role in the transfer of skills and knowledge between Malaysia and Japan,” said Ichikawa.

“Education and environmental protection are at the heart of our business in Malaysia. As we conduct our business, we take a deep interest in the local communities who live in the areas in which we work. We look forward to continuing our journey hand in hand with the Malaysian people and our business partners with whom we have developed strong and long-lasting ties.”

www.mitsubishicorp.com

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