A seminar on investment opportunities in London held at the Embassy of Japan today heard from senior city leaders and diplomats on the investment profile of the British capital and the prospects for bilateral investment and export links between the UK and Japan.
Organised by the Greater London Authority and its promotional agency London and Partners, the seminar was opened by Ambassador HE Keiichi Hayashi, who outlined its theme of ‘Regeneration and Rejuvenation’, particularly relevant in light of the Japanese Government’s drive to accelerate the vitalization of regional economies outside of Tokyo.
London Deputy Mayor (Policy and Planning) Sir Edward Lister gave the seminar’s keynote speech on the prospects for promoting London’s jobs and growth agenda through increased engagement between British and Japanese businesses and investment opportunities in the capital. Ahead of a scheduled visit to Japan, Sir Edward suggested that the key task was to identify and secure closer ways of working between the Olympic cities of London and Tokyo, particularly with regard to the Host2Host agreement signed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on his visit to the 2012 Olympic Park last May.
Two officials of the GLA’s Economic and Business Policy Unit, Jeremy Skinner and Madalina Ursu, then detailed the scale and profitability of opportunities within London’s Infrastructure Plan, where possible investment opportunities (particularly in transport and telecommunications) could be aligned with London’s future growth and housing needs.
The event also heard success stories from Japanese companies which had already invested in London, chiefly main players from the data, real estate, smart cities and rail sectors. Similarly, UK companies engaged in design and transport planning outlined their recent experiences of working in Japan and how to engage local markets using British expertise and competitive advantage.
The seminar concluded with London and Partners CEO Gordon Innes, who detailed the recent history of Japanese investment in London (now again the 4th largest source after the US, India and China) and its growth sectors. Mr Innes also gave practical advice on regulation and ease of doing business in London and his agency’s role in supporting this and the growing number of Japanese companies seeking to invest in London.
