The Philippines is pursuing a collaboration with UNIQLO of Japan to bring its Partner Factory Model Program to the country, a move that would strengthen local supply chains and boost sustainable fashion.
Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque met with UNIQLO executives in Tokyo on March 4, 2025 to discuss the mutual benefits of establishing local production partnerships, which would reduce shipping time, lower costs and minimize carbon footprint.
“The Philippines is fully committed to working with global retailers like UNIQLO who share a vision of responsible sourcing and environmental consciousness. We are currently revitalizing our textile and fashion design industry and would be very interested in exploring the possibility of being a candidate for your partner factory model program,” Roque said in a meeting with Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., the manufacturer behind UNIQLO.
Roque said the Philippine government is prepared to support the program by connecting UNIQLO with weaving communities, sustainable fabric producers and eco-conscious designers to build a reliable and ethical supply base.
The Partner Factory Model Program has been successfully implemented in other countries, and the Philippines is eager to be considered as its next hub.
The program complements the Philippines’ efforts to revitalize its textile and fashion industry, ensuring responsible sourcing while enhancing the Philippines’ role in the global fashion supply chain.
The DTI also proposed pop-up showcases in major UNIQLO stores, featuring sustainable Philippine-made products.
Roque said the initiative could coincide with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan.
The discussions with UNIQLO were part of DTI’s broader engagements with Japanese business leaders, including a roundtable meeting with the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) in a working visit to Tokyo.
