Metrobank partners with Japanese regional banks

MANILA, Philippines - Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) has strengthened its foothold in the Japanese SME market following a series of meetings in Japan led by Metrobank president Fabian Dee. The bank will provide the financial expertise and access to financing to support the Japanese enterprises seeking business opportunities in the country. Among the representatives of the 13 Japanese regional banks were The 77 Bank general manager Atsushi Shitoh, The Akita Bank senior managing director Akihiro Araya, The Chugoku Bank managing director Yoshimasa Asama, The Gunma Bank general manager Haruo Erikawa, The Hiroshima Bank general manager Shinji Wakabayashi, The Hyakugo Bank general manager Kei Yamazaki, The Hyakujushi Bank managing director Toshinori Yano, The Iyo Bank general manager Kazutoshi  Hirai, The Kyoto Chuo Shinkin Bank manager Hirokazu Nakamura, The Ogaki Kyoritsu manager Hideki Usui, The Okazaki Shinkin bank manager Hisayoshi Kato, The Senshu Ikeda Bank general manager Narihisa Fujikawa, and The Seto Shinkin Bank deputy general manager Hirohiko Okunaga. Last year, Metrobank signed bilateral agreements with the Japan Finance Corp. (JFC) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). These agreements allow for Metrobank to be the financial counterpart in the Philippines of the Japanese regional banks whose respective business clients are undergoing expansion operations in the country.