Japanese firms eye local IT industry

Five Japanese firms are studying the possibility of setting up information technology (IT) operations in the country.

This was announced yesterday by Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II who said that the five firms are engaged in software development and engineering design.

Roxas identified the five interested Japanese IT firms as NEC Mobiling, Sanyu Information Systems Ltd., Space Creation Co. Ltd., SwaN Corp. and Epson Software Development.

NEC Mobiling engages in firmware for mobile phones.

Sanyu Information Systems engages in computer-aided design and manufacture of plant and civil engineering.

Space Creation Co. Ltd. also does CAD/CAM engineering designing for automobile parts.

SwaN Corp. is into software development, while Epson is into research and personnel.

According to Roxas, one of the companies — Space Creation, produces factory automation machine, automotive measuring system and engine testing system.

Space Creation also provides support jobs for automobile companies and provides consultation service for research and development.

Space Creation’s major clients include Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki and Toyota.

"Japanese firms are taking a hard look at the country’s viability as an IT production base," Roxas said.

"We should meet the needs of Japanese firms in the areas of software development and CAD/CAM engineering designs. These skills are abundant and our IT firms should take advantage of the Japanese e-Services market," Roxas said.

Roxas pointed out that six other Japanese firms have already decided to invest in the country.

These are Astra (Philippines) Inc., Asking Philippines, United Publishers, Inc., Nihon Design Engineering Co., Ltd., 10 art-ni, and e-Venture Support.