Publications

JLGC supported an investment seminar held by JETRO (Japan Export and Trade Organisation) on 1 May 2014, at the Institute of Directors in Central London. The Japanese Government intends to double their foreign direct investment figures by 2020. To achieve this goal of attaining high investment from abroad, The Prime Minister and Cabinet members have started to enthusiastically promote inward investment and the various incentives on offer as well as cooperate with Japanese local governments.

The seminar highlighted and promoted different regions of Japan with presentations by prefectural governors and mayors who had travelled from Japan for the event. There was discussion around the changes to implementing inward investment as the predominant factors of each region, local business environment and the latest incentives. There was also opportunity to hear positive points of the Japanese market from a UK company who have experienced success there. The latest economic trends were also considered by the former British Ambassador, Sir David Warren, to Japan alongside his current views and projections. Through the various and diverse regions, this was an exciting opportunity to update UK companies and investment professionals on the charms of Japan and the possibilities regarding investing there.

After opening remarks by Mr Jun Arima, Director of General, JETRO London there followed a Keynote Speech by Mr Norihiko Ishiguro, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

A surprise for the audience was an unannounced appearance and address by Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, visiting the UK as part of his EU visit before his meeting with UK Prime Minster David Cameron. There then followed investment opportunity presentations by Mr Kizo Hisamoto, Mayor of Kobe and Soichiro Takashima, Mayor of Fukuoka.

After a break, Sir David Warren, now Chairman of the Japan Society then followed with his personal commentary on the issue for UK companies in entering the Japanese market and the issues faced by them in going into a market which is perceived to be challenging. There then followed a series of presentations with Mr Eikei Suzuki, Governor of Mie Prefecture and Mr Hidehiko Yuzaki, Governor of Hiroshima Prefecture.

The final presentation was by Mr Steve Crane, Founder and CEO, Business Link Japan Ltd, followed by closing remarks by Mr Hidehiro Yokoo, Director-General, Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau (METI). There then followed a Networking Reception for all those invited to discuss future cooperation, helped along by the chance to try sake from Hiroshima and Kobe, both famous for good saké, served by Governor Yuzaki, Mayor Hisamoto and their staff.