Tokyo: Trade Secretary Cristina Roque has met with executives of Pan Pacific International Holdings Corporation (PPIH) to expand trade opportunities for Philippine products. PPIH is the Japanese retail powerhouse behind Don Quijote and Don Don Donki store chains.

According to Philippines News Agency, the meeting, held on May 19 in Tokyo, focused on expanding the sourcing of Philippine products for inclusion in PPIH’s global store network, particularly in Japan, the United States, and other Asian markets. This engagement aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen trade and investment relations with key global partners. Both parties are exploring collaborative solutions to address regulatory and packaging requirements, facilitating smoother entry of Philippine products into foreign retail markets.

During the meeting, PPIH expressed strong interest in enhancing the visibility of Filipino-made goods within their retail ecosystem. This includes showcasing them as standalone Philippine-branded products and as components for Japanese-packaged offerings tailored to local markets. PPIH identified food and wellness items, natural and sustainable home goods, and unique lifestyle products as primary areas of sourcing interest. They also aim to connect directly with more Philippine exporters and manufacturers, beyond current intermediaries, to access new and trending products.

Roque emphasized the significance of such engagements, stating, “We welcome every opportunity to introduce Filipino products to the world — especially through partners who share our commitment to innovation, inclusion, and excellence. As we work toward a more dynamic and future-ready Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines), engagements like this underscore our dedication to creating new market avenues for Filipino enterprises.”

DTI noted that while the opening of a Donki store in the Philippines remains a long-term consideration, PPIH executives acknowledged that a successful sourcing partnership with the Philippine government and exporters could be crucial for including the Philippines in future regional expansion plans. Roque further remarked, “As we navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing global economy, we are guided by a fundamental principle: alone we can only do so little, but together, we can achieve so much.”