EU-JAPAN news november 2009 I 3 VOL 7

NEWS From THE CENTRE

Distribution & Business Practices in Japan 1-week mission Call for applications Group company visits and lectures The EU-Japan Centre is currently inviting applications for the The course provides strategic analysis, forecasting and best < Distribution & Business Practices in Japan > 1-week training practices, as well as offering key facts, data and the latest mission in Japan. industry/sector developments. A summing-up session led Targeted at companies from the EU Member States commit- by marketing experts will help EU managers to facilitate ted to either expanding their business into Japan / Asia, or analysing market/sectors and building the best practices/ considering entering the Japanese market, the course will marketing excellence. help participants: • to understand how existing distribution chains (from The mission is open to all sectors (Food and Non-Food) from manufacturers to retailers) successfully adjust their strategy all-size companies and consists of seminars, case studies, to develop segmentation and product differentiation in the field trips and visits to wholesalers, distribution centres and Japanese market; retailers such as convenience stores, general merchandise • to learn about the Japanese way of achieving customer satis- stores and supermarkets. faction, and to acquire practical tools useful for building a suc- http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/ cessful marketing strategy for the Japanese / Asian markets. business-training.html

in this issue

• EU-Japan Centre News is a joint venture co-financed by the European • Call for applications - Host companies in Japan Commission and the Japanese Ministry of • Food Safety Administration in the EU and Japan Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Its aim Seminar is to foster the development of industrial cooperation between companies from both •  News regions through training programmes for • Best Practices in Support of World-Class Clusters businesspeople, for EU and Japanese students and researchers, and through information • FP7 - JST Call for Proposals to fund Researchers in Japan services and an industrial dialogue. • Japanese Component & Material Buyers’ Exhibition in Budapest • JETRO- Technology Forum This occasional newsletter is produced by the EU-based office of the EU-Japan Centre, and • Japan’s Open Future: An Agenda for Global Citizenship Seminar is primarily intended to provide EU/Japan- • EU-Japan News in Brief and Calendar related news. from THE CENTRE EU-JAPAN news NOVEMBER 2009 I 3 VOL 7

« WCM» 20th mission in Japan

The 20th «World Class Manufacturing A welcome reception was organised in Japan» mission was organised by on the first day with high-profile the EU-Japan Centre in Tokyo from attendees such as the Ambassador of 19-23 October 2009. the Republic of , the Science & 20 participants, working in various Technology Counsellor from the Dele- sectors, such as Automotive, Chemi- gation of the European Commission to cals, Steel, Packaging, etc., from 13 EU Japan, Counsellors from the Bulgarian «It was most beneficial witnessing first Member States took part in the course. and German Embassies, a Director at hand TPS, TPM and Kaizen in practice METI, etc. on factory floors in Japan. I was very The course’s objective was to offer an impressed with the innovation on the insight into WCM methods in a very The participants gave a very posi- lines (particularly at Daikin industries). practical way. The participants visi- tive feedback on this mission; they The enthusiasm at all the plants visi- ted 4 world-class companies (Ricoh, highly appreciated the company visits, ted was infectious and inspiring. I look , Daikin and Omron) and were lectures and hands-on training as forward to applying what I have learnt offered lectures on “Fusion of Total they will be able to implement this in our factories..» James GRIFFIN, Productive Maintenance and Toyo- new knowledge in their usual working Tadley Engineering Ltd, British ta Production System” and “Kaizen environment: Method, Total Company Improvement Method Implemented by Manage- http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/ ments on Factory Shop Floor”. business-training.html

« WCM» 1st mission in the EU In October 2009 the EU-Japan Centre (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) Equip- organised together with the support of ment Alsace and 2 days of plant visits JMA Consultants Inc. and the European to 3 Japanese companies in the region “Clearly and without a doubt the Centre for Japanese Studies in Alsace (Sharp Manufacturing SA, THK methodologies dealt with are espe- (CEEJA) the first “World Class Manufac- Manufacturing of Europe SAS and Salm cially relevant in today’s world. The turing in Europe” mission. Société Alsacienne de Meubles SAS). way the EU-Japan Centre handled it was professional and with great pre- Held from 4-9 October 2009 in Alsace The topics covered during the course cision to the key issues. This expe- (France), the mission was an intensive included different important aspects of rience is relevant as a guide to senior 5-day advanced course on producti- actual WCM tools and techniques – lean manufacturing managers.” – Antonio vity, WCM techniques and continuous manufacturing, productivity, industrial BARBETA, Philips Electronics Singapore improvement methods. engineering and visual management – Pte Ltd, Portuguese and were followed by the observation Twenty-three participants, experts in and practical analysis of the gemba production management in the - (“production site”) and of the various pean manufacturing industry, were se- production processes throughout the lected from twelve EU Member States. factory tours/plant visits. The mission programme consisted of 3 days on-the-job training at MHI-MEA http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/ business-training.html

“At my company I think we have been doing many useful things in order to improve the WCM level. After this week, I have been recharged with many new and useful things which will be considered strongly to intro- duce and apply.” Peter SZARKA, Coloplast , Hungarian Essit velisse con henibh elenit, veradionse from THE centRE EU-JAPAN news NOVEMBER 2009 I 3 VOL 7

Call for applications - Host companies in Japan

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial the synergetic effects through this Host companies are included in the Cooperation is looking for Japanese cultural exchange reflected by enhan- selection process right from the start, companies in the industrial sector ced team spirit and the extension of to ensure that the students‘ abilities which are willing to offer an 8-month their international corporate network. match their corporate needs. Before the traineeship for European students with Last but not least, the hosting of a traineeship begins, during a 4-month a background of engineering, architec- Vulcanus participant created added language course Vulcanus participants ture, IT and other scientific fields. value in new product ideas, new disco- acquire adequate Japanese skills for veries and also patent applications. communication on a daily basis. This traineeship is part of the Centre’s ‘Vulcanus in Japan’ programme, which Highly qualified and motivated Euro- The 8-months traineeship period will aims at providing companies in Japan pean engineers, scientists and archi- take place from January 2011 until with highly qualified European student tecture students August 2011. trainees and thereby a useful and fresh ‘Vulcanus in Japan’ participants are Application deadline for Japanese host insight into business and research with from among Europe’s best university companies: 30 November 2009 Europe. students and chosen from more than Contact: 800 applicants who undergo a strict Keiko Sato, Programme Manager Former Japanese host companies conti- selection procedure and are admitted E-mail: [email protected] nue to acknowledge that hosting a on the basis of their academic results, Tel.: +81 (0)3-3221-6161 European student not only supported motivation and ability to adapt to a their internationalisation of corporate different culture. http://www.eu-japan.gr.jp/japanese/ activities, but they also still appreciate page754.cfm

Forthcoming EU Seminar: Food Safety Administration in the EU and Japan 18 November 2009 - Tokyo Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which su- Venue: The EU-Japan Centre - Japan office pervises the entire food chain and provi- Supported by: des a solid scientific basis for European The European Business Council in Japan food safety policies and legislation. The Delegation of the European Com- Labelling and Traceability systems are mission to Japan now compulsory for all operators.

Call for «Expressions of Interest» After various food scandals which made New developments in the sector (GMOs, - Japan Day! newspaper headlines over recent years, etc.) require a constant legal adaptation, the new Japanese government is willing and a major revision of legislation for Early December 2009 - in Bucharest today, as outlined in the DPJ Manifesto, food and feed safety was made in 2006. Venue: to revise the existing administrative Today in the EU market, all enterprises University POLITEHNICA of Bucharest structure for food safety. In the EU, the involved in the food and feed sector, past 20 years have seen steady progress from producers, manufacturers, retailers Information Seminar intended for EU bu- in this area. to caterers, are compelled to be respon- siness executives, production managers sible for meeting the EU safety require- and engineering students, organised by The creation of the Single Market in 1993 ments for food and feed. the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Coope- ration with the support of the University required national rules to be harmo- POLITEHNICA of Bucharest. nised in order to ensure consistent high In this seminar, European speakers from standards in the production, transport both public and private sectors will in- European Commission-funded program- and sale of food across Europe. At the troduce the Food Safety System in the mes will be presented: same time, the BSE problem (“mad cow EU. The seminar will also be attended Students programmes such as Vulca- disease”) raised public concern about by a speaker from the Japanese Ministry nus in Europe and in Japan, managerial food safety and consumer protection. of Health, Labour & Welfare to present training programmes in Japan such as the current recent developments in the World Class Manufacturing, Distribution In 2002 the EU General Food Law Regu- food safety administration in Japan. & Business Practices in Japan and Japan Industry Insight. lation entered into force laying down Contact: [email protected] the general principles and requirements Registration: [email protected] of food law, with the “Farm-to-Fork” http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/ approach, and establishing the European http://www.eu-japan.gr.jp/english/business/ seminars.html seminars/next/index.cfm from THE centRE EU-JAPAN news NOVEMBER 2009 I 3 VOL 7

EU-Japan Business Round Table

CO2 Reduction in Road Transport On the occasion of the visit to Tokyo of (including the Swedish Presidency), On 30 September 2009 in Brussels, the Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of several Minister Counsellors, Director EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Coopera- Arianespace and new co-chair of the EU- Generals of the Japanese Ministry of tion and the Japan Automobile Manufac- Japan Business Round Table (BRT), the Economy, Trade & Industry, Ministry of turers Association (JAMA) co-organised EU-Japan Centre organised a BRT recep- Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Internal a seminar entitled “CO2 Reduction in tion at its premises on 6 October 2009. Affairs & Communications, in addition to Road Transport - Towards a Low-Carbon Mr. Le Gall (left on the photo) has Mr. Le Gall and NEC’s Mr Sasaki and most Society for the Global Automotive Japanese BRT Members/Sherpas and EU Industry”. The seminar was very been extremely active in the past BRT Members/Sherpas based in Tokyo. timely, taking into consideration not few months, organising brainstor- only the UN Convention on Climate ming meetings with the EU side Change this coming December, but also Members of the BRT in order to iden- This underlines the expectations in Tokyo the upcoming discussions at the new tify ways to re-organise and develop for new recommendations to be drafted European Parliament and European further its work. He also met the Head by business at a time when there is a new Commission on setting the mid to long-term of the Delegation of the European Com- Government in Japan, a new reinforced policy towards an innovative, low-carbon Commission President with, hopefully society. This seminar was also a follow-up mission to Japan, Hugh Richardson. Mr. Le Gall has now issued to EU-side soon, a new Commission and a new Trea- of the seminar ‘Economic and Environmen- ty, and an upcoming redefinition of the tal Challenges for the Automotive Industry Members, following those brainstorming EU-Japan relation through the drafting of in the EU and Japan’ which was organised meetings, a draft roadmap for the work by the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial of the BRT for the next months / years, a new 10-year EU-Japan Action Plan. Cooperation in Tokyo on 24 April 2009. which has been presented to Toshiba. http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/ http://www.deljpn.ec.europa.eu/ events/seminar-30september2009. The BRT reception was attended by modules/media/audio/photo/091006. html?year=2009 7 EU Member States Ambassadors html?ml_lang=en

Cosmetic Regulation in the EU and Japan

On 8 September 2009 in Tokyo, the EU- On the Japanese side, Mr. Kiyoshi latory frameworks are still far from being Japan Centre for Industrial Coopera- Washida (Cosmetic Officer, Evaluation harmonised (no full overlap of cosme- tion organised a seminar on “Cosmetic & Licensing Division, Pharmaceutical & tics definitions, contents of positive Regulation in the EU and Japan” with Food Safety Bureau, Ministry of Health, and negative lists differ in the EU and in interventions by the European Com- Labour & Welfare, Japan) presented the Japan: the positive list names autho- mission and the Ministry of Health, developments in the Japanese regula- rised substances for colouring agents, Labour & Welfare of Japan (MHLW). tory framework for cosmetic products preservatives, UV filters; the negative list during the last decade. names prohibited or restricted subs- The main objective of the seminar was tances; but the EU lists contain more to inform the Japanese cosmetic indus- In April 2001 the deregulation of the substances than the Japanese). try of the new Regulation on Cosmetics cosmetics market paved the way to to be adopted this year. Mr. Laurent the suppression of the pre-marketing A large (88 participants) and highly Sellès (Deputy Head, Cosmetic & Medi- approval system and to various efforts professional audience, mainly coming cal Devices Unit, Directorate-General for towards harmonisation. from the Cosmetics industry (27 per- Enterprise & Industry, European Com- sons), discussed various topics with the mission) explained that it will guarantee However, if the two regions are facing speakers, in particular on nanomaterials, a high level of safety on the European identical issues (new products with safety issues and the need for common Cosmetics market, will increase the emerging technologies -e.g. nano- harmonised positive and negative lists. responsibility of manufacturers as well materials- need to be assessed in a as market surveillance while improving similar way for the safety of consumers; http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/ the administrative operations. dealing with counterfeiting, etc.), regu- seminars/industrial-policy.html from THE centRE EU-JAPAN news NOVEMBER 2009 I 3 VOL 7

Policy Framework for Driving Innovation

On 5 October 2009 a seminar on Innovation is mostly financed by the “Policy Framework for Driving Innova- public sector in the EU (86 billion tion: Recent Developments in the EU Euro through the EU Cohesion Policy and Japan” was held in Tokyo at the EU- between 2007-2013 for Innovation), but Japan Centre. in Japan 80% of research expenditure Vulcanus Graduation Ceremony comes from the private sector. In this seminar, Mr Carsten Schieren- On 27 August 2009 the EU-Japan Centre beck (Policy Officer from The launch of the Innovation Network for Industrial Cooperation held the the Directorate-General Corporation of Japan is a recent element Graduation Ceremony and Farewell for Enterprise & Industry in the Japanese strategy to promote Reception of 35 students who had spent of the European Com- “Open Innovation”, create next-gene- a year in Japan learning Japanese and mission) presented the ration businesses and provide needed working for Japanese companies. During recent developments capital to this sector. On the European the day the students presented their pro- in discussing the new side, because overall European inno- ject results and gave overall feedback to their colleagues – this in the Japanese policy framework for vation performances still lag behind language. fostering an innovative Japan and the US, a “European Inno- The Graduation Ceremony took place and competitive Europe. vation Act” could be soon adopted as in the Grand Palace Hotel in Kudanshita Mr Naohiro Kaji (Direc- an integral part of the future European in the presence of Ambassador Hugh tor at the Innovation Reform Agenda beyond 2010. Richardson and Hidehiro Muramatsu; Network Corporation the Ambassadors of EU Member States; of Japan) introduced Some ideas emerged from the seminar, representatives of host companies and the activity of a newly- such as the organisation of an annual Vulcanus Alumni; and Julien Guerrier and established (July 2009) conference bringing together private Hiroshi Tsukamoto (General Managers of the EU-Japan Centre). public-private partner- equities and venture businesses from Both Ambassador Hugh Richardson and ship to promote open Japan and Europe in order to create a Hidehiro Muramatsu (Director of Europe innovation in Japan. positive synergy and develop innova- Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade & tive technologies. Industry) showed great appreciation for EU and Japan Innovation has been iden- In order to take part in this effort, the the student’s insertion to the programme tified as a priority policy for the coming EU-Japan Centre is developing a Help and the host companies’ commitment. years as one of the means to overcome Desk and information service to assist Once again, the importance was em- the financial and economic crisis, and clusters (http://www.eu-japan.eu/glo- phasised that Vulcanus is a programme also as a tool to tackle environmental bal/cluster-cooperation.html). which builds bridges between the EU and Japan. issues. Cluster initiatives and internatio- nal clusters cooperation are an impor- , http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/ http://www.eu-japan.gr.jp/english/business/ tant element of innovation policy. vulcanus-in-japan.html seminars/next/index.cfm The Role of ICT in Reducing Carbon Emissions On 16 September 2009 in Tokyo, the EU- funding, and the promotion of partnerships Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation between Industry/Government/Academia in organised a seminar on “The Role of ICT in Japan and Public/Private sectors in Europe is Reducing Carbon Emissions in the EU and encouraging further research efforts. These Japan”. various supports will produce business op- portunities, particularly for innovative SMEs, The main objective of this seminar was to as well as a huge potential for energy saving. hear from experts working at the European Commission and at the Japanese Green An international harmonisation of standards IT Promotion Council about ICT initiatives remains essential as soon as possible, in that can help reduce carbon emissions and order to work out a common methodology enhance energy efficiency. with comparable norms. Japan and the Japan and the EU are two of the world EU have already established a taskforce to leaders in the ICT research area. In both exchange their views and come to an agree- regions the action of public authorities has ment in the future. Presentation by Mr. Hidekazu Hasegawa, been decisive to support and accelerate Deputy Manager, Green IT Promotion the role of ICT solutions in achieving the http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/ Council – Japan environmental targets through policy and seminars/climate.html from THE commission EU-JAPAN news NOVEMBER 2009 I 3 VOL 7

Best Practices in Support of World-Class Clusters New website!

European Cluster Policy Group (ECPG) visit to Japan, Ms Barbara Rhode, and represen- A new website on cooperation between to Tokyo: 4-9 October 2009 tatives from a large number of Japanese the European Economic & Social Commit- organisations involved in cluster support: The ECPG was established in April 2009 with tee (EESC) and Japanese civil society has Mr. Kawarada, Secretary-General of Innova- an 18-month term. The aim of the Japan just been launched within the home page tion Initiative Network Japan; Mr. Sasano, study visit was to identify best available of the External Relations (REX) Section of Deputy Director General & Special Advisor, practices in support of world-class clusters the Committee. Regional Planning Department at the Deve- and to get inspiration for stronger policy In addition to general information about lopment Bank of Japan Inc.; Dr. Eng. Yabe, recommendations on how to best support the cooperation, the people and the ins- Vice-President at the National Institute of international cluster cooperation for inno- titutions involved, you will find there the Advanced Industrial Science & Technology vation. report of the Workshop on “The Future (AIST); Mr. Shimizu, former Director-Gene- The ECPG held discussions with the Japa- of Employment in Europe and in Japan”, ral, Industry and Technology Department at nese government organisations dealing co-organised on 24 June 2009 in Brussels JETRO, etc. with cluster policies and implementation by the EESC as well as the EU-Japan Cen- Many other high-ranking civil servants from (e.g. METI, MEXT, Council for Science & Tech- tre for Industrial Cooperation and the EU MEXT and METI came to meet the Euro- nology Policy, JETRO, EU-Japan Centre) and Institute in Japan-Kansai. pean Cluster Policy Group: Mr. Tsukamoto visited the Hamamatsu Optronics Cluster. (Director-General for Regional Economic The ECPG is led by Dr Tea Petrin, Professor http://www.eesc.europa.eu/ and Industrial Policy, Regional Economic sections/rex/asia/japan/index_ of the University of Ljubljana and Former and Industrial Policy Group at METI) and Mr. en.asp?id=6300rexen Minister of Economic Affairs. Watanabe (Deputy Director, Regional R&D The EU-Japan Centre launched cluster Promotion Division at MEXT). support services last year for the bene- During this Reception, the new EU-Japan fit of European and Japanese clusters, to Centre’s Cluster Help Desk was introduced. help them identify potential cooperation This success underlines the interest of the partners in the reciprocal regions. Japanese authorities in developing interna- For this occasion the EU-Japan Centre EUROPE MAGAZINE tional cluster cooperation and the strong organised a reception on 7 October. The Autumn publication is available. potentialities of partnerships between the Among the 46 participants, the Cluster EU and Japan. networking reception welcomed the new http://www.deljpn.ec.europa. Head of Science & Technology Section at http://www.deljpn.ec.europa.eu/modules/ eu/modules/media/ the Delegation of the European Commission media/news/2009/091006.html magazine/2009/09autumn.html

7th EU Research Framework Programme (FP7) JST Call for Proposals to fund Researchers in Japan - Participating in EU Research Consortia Japan Science & Technology Agency Environment: Biotechnologies, Food and Agriculture: (JST) has launched a call for proposals ENV.2010.1.1.2-1 Atmospheric chemistry and KBBE.2010.3.2-01 Sustainable culture of for researchers in Japan involved in EU climate change interactions marine microorganisms, algae and/or research consortia covering 11 ENV.2010.1.1.3-1 Change in carbon uptake invertebrates for high added-value and emissions by oceans in a changing products topics (see below) under “Environment climate (including Climate Change)», «Biotech- ENV.2010.1.1.6-1 Climate change mitiga- Industrial Technologies: nologies, Food and Agriculture», and tion options linked to deforestation and NMP.2010.1.3-1 Reference methods for «Industrial Technologies» of the 7th EU agriculture in the context of a post-2012 managing the risk of engineered Research Framework Programme (FP7). international agreement on climate change nanoparticles ENV.2010.1.2.2-2 Human health and environ- Researchers in Japan who apply to the mental effects of exposure to pharmaceuti- Detailed information is available on EC call for proposals should also apply cals released into the environment the EC website: http://cordis.europa.eu/ to the JST call for proposals and sub- ENV.2010.2.2.1-2 Global plankton dataset fp7/dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=UserSite. building in view of modelling CooperationDetailsCallPage&call_id=142 mit their own research plan to possibly ENV.2010.3.1.8-1 Development of techno- receive JST funding following a JST logies for long-term carbon sequestration The JST call for proposals is open from peer-review evaluation. It should be ENV.2010.4.1.2-1 Building observational 31 August 2009 to 22 January 2010. noted that researchers in Japan invol- datasets for the predictability of global The JST maximum budget per participant ved in consortia selected by the EC will atmospheric, oceanic and terrestrial is 22.5 million yen (approx. EUR 160,000) for not necessarily be supported by JST, as processes using reanalysis techniques three years. this depends on the outcome of a JST ENV.2010.4.1.2-2 Integrating new data More information is available from the JST evaluation. visualisation approaches of earth Systems website: into GEOSS development ENV.2010.4.2.1-1 Enhancing model integra- The 11 FP7 research topics concerned by tion for the assessment of global environ- the JST call for proposals are: http://www.jst.go.jp/inter/english/ mental change index.html from THE cOMMISSION EU-JAPAN news NOVEMBER 2009 I 3 VOL 7

Message from the European Commission President Message from European Commission President Barroso delivered to DPJ President Hatoyama - EU News 247/2009 - 2009/09/15 Hugh Richardson, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Japan, visited on 15 September the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Japan to convey a personal message from José Manuel Barroso, President of the European Com- mission, to DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama. The message, in which President Barroso congratulated Mr. Hatoyama on his party’s victory in last month’s general election and called for closer cooperation between the and Japan as strategic partners, was handed to Mr. Tetsundo Iwakuni, Director-General of the DPJ’s International Department. New Generation Network The full text of President Barroso’s personal message can be read at: The Future Internet http://www.deljpn.ec.europa.eu/modules/ media/news/2009/090915.html 2nd EU-Japan Symposium on New Generation Networks and Future Internet The «EU-Japan Symposium on the All the EU publications in one place! Future Internet» was opened by Mr. Hideo Miyahara (President of NICT) and EU Bookshop Digital Library goes live - Mr. Antti Peltomäki (Deputy Director All the EU publications in one place! General of DG INFSO at the European Commission). 12 million scanned pages in more than The major objective of this event was to 110 000 EU publications are available explore prospects for deeper exchan- free of charge for download in the EU ges and collaboration between the Bookshop Digital Library. Japanese and European research com- Launched at the Frankfurt Book Fair munities in the area of what is refer- on 16 October, it offers all publications red to as «New-Generation Network” edited by the Publications Office on (NWGN) in Japan and the «Future Inter- behalf of the EU institutions, agencies net” (FI) in Europe. and other bodies since 1952. http://www.bookshop.europa.eu/ http://www.deljpn.ec.europa.eu/modules/ eubookshop/index.action?request_ media/news/2009/090918.html locale=EN

ALUMNI CORNER

Japanese Delegation Study Tour in the EU Venue: Packo Inox nv - Mr. Johan Ameel, CEO of Packo Inox nv, Organised by: Fedagrim vzw and a factory visit, Mr. Paul Vanhengel of Co-organised: Flanders Investment & Friesland Campina gave a presentation Trade on the European dairy sector.

During their study tour in Europe a The visit by the Japan Dairy Council’s delegation of the Japan Dairy Council delegation was a follow-up of the was hosted by Packo Inox nv, a world- participation of Mr. Michel Christiaens, renowned Belgian manufacturer of Secretary General of Fedagrim, in milk cooling tanks and milk processing the 45th Human Resources Training equipment.The delegation was headed Programme organised by the EU-Japan by Mr. Keiichi Masaka of Okoppechou Centre for Industrial Cooperation from Visit of the Japan Dairy Council Agricultural Cooperative, team leader, 18 May-12 June 2009, in Japan. 27 October 2009 and Mr. Hideto Ozeki of Kitahiyamachou Agricultural Cooperative, deputy leader. After an introduction to the company by http://www.packo.com EU-JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN news NOVEMBER 2009 I 3 VOL 7

Japanese Component & Material Buyers’ Exhibition in Budapest JETRO-Ireland Technology Forum 4 November 2009 - Dublin, Ireland institutes in Ireland and Northern Co-organised by JETRO (Japan External Ireland and governmental organisa- Trade Organization) Budapest, ITDH (The Main focus areas: tions from the respective countries. Hungarian Investment & Trade Develo- pment Agency), MAJOSZ (Association of ICT, Life Sciences, Environment and ICT, Life Sciences, Environment and the Hungarian Vehicle Component Manu- Energy Energy were the main focus areas at this facturers) forum, which included presentations Since 1996 JETRO has been holding introducing the research environment Japanese Component & Material Buyers’ technology seminars for Japanese and activities in Ireland and Northern Exhibition 2009 in Budapest will be held for the 6th time on 18 November 2009 companies in cooperation with univer- Ireland, exhibitions, one-to-one by JETRO Budapest with the support of sities, research institutes and govern- meetings and networking. local business organisations to reinforce mental bodies in the U.K. and Ireland. business relationships between local The forum supported building a strong suppliers and the Japanese companies. These seminars are aimed at introducing relationship between Europe–based With this exhibition, JETRO aims to the research activities and its results to Japanese companies and Irish support the endeavours of Japan- Japanese companies and helping the research institutes, and enabled affiliated companies to find local suppliers latter to find promising technological Japanese companies to obtain the in Hungary and other European countries. seeds from these results in addition to latest information about science and The Japan-affiliated companies display the building a good relationship leading technology in Europe. It was hoped parts, components and materials that they to work with research institutes within that the new relationship will also would like to procure from local suppliers. the U.K. and Ireland. advance collaborative research and Thanks to this event, JETRO provides co-development of global standards. exhibitors and suppliers with opportuni- JETRO invited participants to the ties for business meetings. “JETRO-Ireland Technology Forum, http://www.jetro.be/jp/business/ http://www.jetro.go.jp/hungary/ Dublin 2009”. The forum was held seminar/2009/london/invitation04nov09_ Exhibition/ with contributions from 10 research en.pdf

Japanese Business Delegation to

Japanese International Friendship Exchange Council mission to Bulgaria Sofia, 28 September 2009

Visit of a Japanese business delegation to More specifically, Japanese business is Bulgaria and the meeting with their Bulga- interested in infrastructure projects like the rian counterparts: the Confederation of the construction of motorways and the upgrade Entrepreneurs & Industrialists of Bulgaria of railway transport. Interest was also shown (CEIBG) in the field of nuclear energy, power genera- The influx of foreign investors in Bulga- tion and chemistry. ria can also open the doors for Japanese Japanese business is interested in investing entrepreneurs towards the entire region of in Bulgarian infrastructure projects, as well Mr. Prokopiev outlined the economic situa- South-eastern Europe. as in projects in the fields of energy and tion in Bulgaria and emphasised the existing health care, said Ivo Prokopiev, Chairman of macroeconomic stability. He also pointed Participants in this 17th economic mission of the Confederation of Employers & Industria- out that the new Bulgarian government has FEC included heads of influential Japanese lists in Bulgaria (CEIBG). a clear political will to fight corruption and companies mainly in the fields of industry, return the confidence of European partners. energy and finance, as well as represent- The CEIBG leadership, Mr. Prokopiev and the atives of academic circles. members of the delegation of the Japanese The market in Bulgaria provides enormous International Friendship Exchange Council opportunities for development, the repre- discussed the opportunities for expanding sentatives of CEIBG said. economic cooperation between the two countries.

http://www.fec-ais.com http://www.ceibg.bg/index.php EU-JAPAN NEWS EU-JAPAN news NOVEMBER 2009 I 3 VOL 7

2009 Seminar Series Japan and Europe: Negotiating the Russian Relationship 21 October 2009 - Daiwa Foundation Japan House – London Organised by The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation in asso- ciation with the Japan Society CHANGING WORLD VIEWS: International Challenges for the UK and Japan This 7th seminar in the 2009 seminar series, “Changing World The Consumer Goods Forum Views: International Challenges for the UK and Japan”, reflec- ted on relations with Russia since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. In renegotia- Consumer Goods Forum Strengthens ting international relations in the region, the challenges have been many and continue to Japanese Representation dominate diplomatic agendas. Official mechanisms for cooperation exist through the European Union and NATO as well as through Russia’s membership in the Council of No fewer than five Japanese companies Europe and the G-8. Economic links and energy issues are of central importance. Yet, the now sit on the board of the Consumer 2008 Georgia crisis threatened a renewal of old fears. Goods Forum, the new joint trade and Territorial disputes, particularly related to the Southern Kurile Islands/Northern Territories, industry body that unites the world’s have also cast a lingering shadow over Russo-Japanese relations. Such unfinished busi- leading international consumer goods ness, however, does not belie the fact of Japan’s energy needs and extensive economic retailers and manufacturers. The ties with Russia. The speakers considered the legacy of the past and the future direction of strengthening of board representation relations with Russia in addressing these areas of conflict and cooperation. from Japan underlines both Japan’s importance and influence as the world’s second-largest economy and the Consu- Japan’s Open Future: An Agenda for Global Citizenship Seminar mer Goods Forum’s commitment to collaboration across borders. 18 November 2009 - Daiwa Foundation The end of the Cold War, a shrinking Japan House – London domestic population, global instabilities Following the World Food Business Organised by The Daiwa Anglo-Japanese after 9/11, and the global financial crisis Summit in June 2009, the newly-launched Foundation - London have shifted perspectives and created a The Consumer Goods Forum welcomed the CHANGING WORLD VIEWS: International new world order. How Japan may adapt following Board members from Japan: Challenges for the UK and Japan and evolve will be addressed by the spea- The final seminar in the 2009 seminar kers as they explore the forces in society Mr. Motoya Okada, President, AEON Co. series, “Changing World Views: that may be seen as agents for change. Ltd. International Challenges for the UK and Japan”, takes its title from a recently- Mr. Masatoshi Ito, President & CEO, http://www.dajf.org.uk/event_category. published book that examines Japan’s role Ajinomoto Co., Inc. asp?Section=Events&ID=91&Event= in ‘a more complicated world’. Mr. Motoki Ozaki, President & CEO, Seminar&Year=2009 Kao Corporation. Mr. Kazuyasu Kato, President & CEO, Kirin Holdings. Mr. Norio Hayashi, Chairman, Izumiya Co., Call for Cooperation Ltd. Call for cooperation for a student’s questionnaire will be most valuable The Forum was created in June 2009 by final MBA Project & Dissertation with and will enable Ms McGoldrick to the merger of CIES, the pre-eminent food Warwick Business School (UK) analyse in detail potential pitfalls and and consumer goods industry body, with focal areas for success. the Global CEO Forum and the Global Many European companies and orga- The questionnaire comprises approxi- Commerce Initiative (GCI) -- two global nisations have failed in their attempts mately 30 online questions focusing on retailer and manufacturer collaborative to enter and compete in the Japanese organisations’ expansion in Japan, and platforms. The Forum has a mandate market, yet others have succeeded. key areas/areas of difficulty/areas they from its members to develop common Why? What are the issues which can be felt they lacked skills or knowledge/ positions on key strategic and practical tackled to ensure success in the Japa- issues affecting the consumer goods areas they felt were directly transfera- nese market? industry, to focus on non-competitive ble from their home country, etc. Gemma McGoldrick has lived and collaborative process improvement For those who will be participating, to worked in various fields in Japan and and to provide a network for thought- maintain confidentiality only general is currently embarking on a final MBA leadership and knowledge exchange. results will be provided. Project & Dissertation with Warwick For more information please contact: The Forum is governed on a parity basis, Business School (UK). [email protected] with an equal number of retailers and Her dissertation will analyse areas manufacturers on its Board of directors. which aid success for European com- https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.a http://www.theconsumergoodsforum. panies entering the Japanese market. spx?sm=RxxpVtzb3I6V3T4o4fPEdw com Your support in filling in an online _3d_3d">Click IN BRIEF EU-JAPAN news NOVEMBER 2009 I 3 VOL 7

Strengthen your Business UKTI Mission to Japan Invest in France event Japan Market Expansion Competition 8 October 2009 - Tokyo, Japan (JMEC) March 2010 - JITAC 2010 6th Edition of the French-Japanese Are you looking for a way to penetrate (Textiles – Trade Fair) Investment Awards (Awards ceremony) the Japanese market but are not sure how? The next JITAC (Japan Imported Textiles The Japanese office of the Invest in Agency Council) event will be held in France Agency held its 6th annual Commission your project to JMEC, the Tokyo, Japan in March 2010. JITAC is a awards ceremony on 8 October 2009 at Japan Market Expansion Competition, trade fair which takes place twice a year Roppongi Academy Hills 40F, in which and receive a comprehensive, tailor- and has become a significant event to Japanese companies investing in France made business plan covering a wide see where the world fashion trend is and French companies investing in Ja- range of issues such as strategy, mar- heading. UKTI is supporting a group pan were honoured for their enterprise keting, finance, operations, etc. within of UK companies to the event, which is during the year. 6 months at a fraction of the cost that is organised by the National Wool Textiles A total of four awards (2 to Japanese and required by outside consultants to pre- Export Corporation. 2 to French companies) were presented, pare a comparable plan. In JMEC, a team celebrating those companies’ invest- of 5-6 professionals, of various nation- For more information please contact: ment activities. alities and backgrounds, dedicates an [email protected] This year, the Awards for Investment average of 1,200 hours to your business in France were presented to: Otsuka plan, providing a fresh, outside-the-box More information on Holdings Co, Ltd. and Toray Industries Inc. perspective, unconstrained by in-house https://www.uktradeinvest.gov.uk The Awards for Investment in Japan went limitations. According to Anne Lanigan, to: Eurocopter and Fives. representative of Project Client Enterprise Ireland, JMEC gave her «access to young, Quality - Sustainability to More information on creative executives and a new perspective Excellence http://www.investinfrance.org/japan - an important key to success». The National Quality Conference to be Application deadline for ”JMEC 16” held in on 12 November 2009 The Role of Women in Project Clients is 28 November 2009. Japanese Society More information on As part of the European Quality Week, http://www.jmec.gr.jp the Malta Chamber Quality Management Conference & Round Table - 10 November Committee is organising its second an- 2009, Paris, France Canon Foundation Lecture nual Quality Conference. Following last Organised by ESCP-EUROPE Business year’s success, with over 80% positive School, Alumni – Club Japan “The present world financial framework: feedback from over 100 participants, this Co-organised by ETP - JAPAN Alumni - European and Asian approaches to a year’s theme is “QUALITY – Sustainability Sephane PECHMAJOU – Executive Training global currency” to Excellence”. The conference includes Programme (ETP) 18 November 2009 - Madrid, speakers from various business sectors, Lecture presided by Her Majesty Queen as well as workshops and discussions in During the conference, four speakers will Sofia of Spain relation to the strategic direction towards give a short speech on the following topics: achieving excellence. - The role & position of women in Japan in The global economic crisis asks for a the 90s by Ms Anne GARRIGUE (Journalist & global approach. New international regu- SHOW YOUR COMMITMENT TO QUALITY writer specialised in North-East Asia) lations and supervisions will be required To overcome the current economic chal- - The Japanese business women today by to prevent new economic and military lenges, enterprises have to ensure that Ms Kayoko NORISHIMA (Director of the catastrophes. Globalisation in banking, they maintain a focus on quality as well as Advertising Bureau in Paris of the Yomiuri trade and development aid will be indis- remain sustainable. Following this phase, Shimbun) pensable to put an end to mass poverty it is important that companies continue - The political role of women in the recent and the consequent lack of human rights on the road to excellence through the election change in Japan by Mr. Claude and dignity. Professor Tamames will adoption of effective enablers such as LEBLANC (Chief Editor - Courrier International) develop a series of reasonings and rec- Quality Management. - Testimonial of a Japanese working wom- ommendations to prove that a global an by Ms Noriko CARPENTIER-TOMINAGA currency, for with China has already WHO SHOULD ATTEND? (Director, French-Japanese Exchanges made some meaningful approaches, is Quality runs across all sectors – be it Committee) an important instrument to achieve a services, manufacturing, retail or trade. The conference will be followed by a Round truly advanced globalisation. Besides, quality is the responsibility of the Table to respond to questions from the whole team not just the Quality Manager. audience. Registration deadline: 11 November 2009 More information on at: [email protected] More information on http://www.maltachamber.org.mt/ More information on http://www.escpeuropealumni.org/ businessnews/resource.asp?id=667u http://www.canonfoundation.org actualites/event.asp calendar EU-JAPAN news OCTOBER 2009 I 3 VOL 7

Date/Location Details Contacts

5 November 2009 Seminar Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry / JETRO Osaka, JBIC, JOI, UNIDO Osaka, Japan Czech Investment Seminar http://www.czechinvest.org/en/news

12 November 2009 conference The Malta Chamber of Commerce Malta The National Quality Conference http://www.maltachamber.org.mt

18 November 2009 Seminar EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation Tokyo, Japan http://www.eu-japan.gr.jp/english/business/ Food Safety Administration in the EU and Japan seminars/next/index.cfm#Foodsafety

Seminar EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation 19 - 21 November 2009 Intercultural seminar in the EU Colmar, France http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/events/semi- EU-Japan - Transforming Cultural Difference into Business nar-intercultural.html?year=2009 Strength

Seminar 15 December 2009 (tbc) EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation Brussels, Belgium SmartGrids: current status and technical roadmap http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/seminars.html for the future - comparative views from EU and Japan

European Commission-funded Programme EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation 22 - 26 February 2010 Training Mission in Japan Tokyo, Japan http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/business- training.html Application deadline: 10 December 2009

European Commission-funded Programme 17 May - 11-18 June 2010 EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation Training Mission in Japan http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/business- Tokyo, Japan training.html Application deadline: 18 February 2010

European Commission-funded Programme EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation 28 June - 7 July 2010 Training Mission in Japan Tokyo, Japan http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/business- training.html Application deadline: 25 March 2010

European Commission-funded Programme 18 - 22 October 2010 EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation Training Mission in Japan http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/business- Tokyo, Japan training.html Application deadline: 10 June 2010 Any EU-Japan-related News?

Feel free to contact us if you would like your EU-Japan-related news/event to be announced in our forthcoming newsletter and/or on our website : [email protected]

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The European Office of the EU-Japan Centre alone is responsible for the information contained in its communications or publications. Neither the European Commission nor theGovernment of Japan is responsible for any use thatmay bemade of the information contained therein. Editor: J. Michelson