Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (President & CEO: Koji Fujiwara) has been selected to participate in a feasibility study on introducing a Japanese school lunch program in the Philippines. The research project is sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as part of its program to support SDG*–related business initiatives
The survey involves a market study to identify the need for a Japanese school lunch program in the Philippines, where poverty reduction and improving educational standards remain important issues. By introducing a sustainable school lunch program and with it the knowhow and technology for its safe and efficient operation developed in Japan over many years, the project ultimately seeks to address malnutrition and stunted growth and improve the school enrollment rate in the Philippines.
We have participated in the research project started by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in December 2016 on the industrial development of the Philippines and economic cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. We also signed a business cooperation agreement with the Philippines’ Department of Trade and Industry in July 2017. Through these frameworks, we have continued discussion on a sustainable business model that could help stimulate domestic demand and industrial development. For the latest research project, we will be analyzing the local market and considering the feasibility of introducing Japanese technology and business expertise in order to make recommendations for a new business model.
This project will be an additional opportunity for us to provide support to Japanese companies entering the local market, and thereby contribute to the greater prosperity of both the Philippines and Japan.
- *Abbreviation for Sustainable Development Goals