Marubeni's Visionary Approach to Addressing Challenges in the Philippines

Akira Kato’s Journey at Marubeni:

At the youthful age of 27, Akira Kato epitomizes Marubeni's multifaceted approach.

Marubeni, as one of the world's leading global general trading companies, deals with a diverse range of products and possesses the resources, talent, and expertise to address various societal challenges. With over 130 branches/offices worldwide and a network of more than 480 consolidated subsidiaries, Marubeni plays a crucial role on the global stage.

After graduating from university in 2019, Kato joined Marubeni and began his career in commodity trading, specifically focusing on the pulp and paper industry. This role involved sourcing materials overseas for Japanese clients. However, the rise of paperless trends in Japan and the pandemic's impact caused significant market fluctuations, with prices sometimes doubling within a year, making it a challenging experience.

Kato's experience extended beyond trading. In Indonesia, particularly Sumatra, Marubeni operates pulp production facilities and manages reforestation efforts. This exposed Kato to a rural environment, requiring him to adapt to Indonesian culture and language. Leveraging the knowledge gained from reforestation projects, Akira Kato transitioned to the Philippines in September 2023. He is currently serving as the Assistant General Manager of New Business Planning and Strategic Alliance at Marubeni Philippines Corporation. He now leads a vital project on Negros Island, aiming to regenerate degraded land and create safer living areas through reforestation.

Identifying Challenges in the Philippines:

Kato sees education as a significant challenge in the Philippines, ranking low in global education statistics despite having a longer mandatory schooling period than Japan. He believes that improving education is crucial for fostering a capable workforce and facilitating national development

Proposed Solutions for Education:

Improving basic education is essential, with a focus on nurturing talents in areas like IT to bolster the country's key industries like BPO. Kato emphasizes the need for human resource development and innovation to address underlying issues, leveraging Marubeni's capabilities.

Marubeni's Projects in the Philippines:

This focus on sustainability is particularly evident in the reforestation project. With Philippine forests having dwindled to a mere 20% of their land area compared to 70% in the 1900s, the project aims to create safer living areas and mitigate natural disasters like landslides.  Through collaboration with DMCI, DENR, and UPLB, Marubeni is not only restoring the environment but also exploring the potential for carbon credit trading based on the carbon sequestration capacity of the reforested areas.

While the reforestation initiative is a flagship project for Marubeni in the Philippines, it represents just one facet of the company's comprehensive approach to the country's sustainable development.

Sense of Fulfillment in Challenges:

While long-term projects pose challenges and may lack immediate gratification, Kato finds fulfillment in creating employment opportunities in previously neglected areas. Seeing employment generated in barren lands brings a sense of satisfaction.

Future Challenges and Aspirations:

Looking ahead, Kato aims to present innovative business proposals to various departments within Marubeni, focusing on sectors like agriculture, fisheries, education, and human resource development. He seeks collaboration with local companies to address challenges in the Philippines, aspiring to make a meaningful impact.

Message to Innovators:

My grandfather was a new graduate of Marubeni Corporation and worked in the pulp and paper department. He then moved to Quezon Province, Philippines where he taught food crops to various schools and communities.

**My grandfather was a man who never left anyone in need. **

I have always wanted to have a career like my grandfather. I would like to be a part of the Marubeni Corporation and work with startups and future entrepreneurs in the Philippines to help those in need.