TOKYO (AFP) — Philippine President Gloria Arroyo voiced hope on Saturday that Japan will accept more workers from her country under a bilateral economic pact.
In an interview with Japanese public broadcaster NHK, Arroyo hailed Tokyo’s acceptance of Philippine nurses and care workers in line with the economic partnership pact signed between the two countries in 2006.
“This is a milestone because it is the first visible impact on the benefit” of the pact, said Arroyo, who is on a visit to Japan.
Seeking an increase in the number Japan would accept, Arroyo said Manila was ready to send more Philippine workers such as English teachers and information technology engineers to Japan.
Earlier in the day, Arroyo visited an on-the-job learning centre for foreign workers in Tokyo, where 36 Philippine nurses are taking training.
Tokyo is the largest trading partner for Manila, while Manila is the second largest destination for Japanese foreign direct investment after the United States, according to the Japanese foreign ministry.
Arroyo, who arrived here on Wednesday for a working visit, met Prime Minister Taro Aso and discussed economic ties, North Korea’s May nuclear test and other issues.