Eu-Japan News June 2013 I 2 Vol 11

EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11

EU-Japan Business Round Table - 15th Annual Meeting “Opening a New Chapter in EU-Japan Relations”

The EU-Japan Business Round Table (BRT), a forum of some The meeting also addressed the following subjects: the nego- 50 European and Japanese business leaders, held its Annu- tiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) / Economic Partner- al Meeting in Paris on 29 & 30 April 2013 under the theme of ship Agreement (EPA) and an agreement covering political, “Opening a New Chapter in EU-Japan Relations”. sectoral and global cooperation between the EU and Japan; The meeting was co-chaired by Messrs. Jean-Yves Le Gall, EU-Japan cooperation including business with / in emerging President of CNES (Centre National d’Etudes Spatiales) and economies; and resources issues. former Chairman & CEO of Arianespace, and Osamu Nagay- During the meeting, the BRT agreed on a set of recommenda- ama, Chairman and CEO of Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. tions to be submitted to European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, European Commission President José Manuel The BRT had the pleasure of welcoming high-level represent- Barroso and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. atives of the Japanese and EU Authorities. More information: http://www.eu-japan-brt.eu/

COMING SOON… A NEW DESIGN FOR WWW.EU-JAPAN.EU and A NEW INFORMATION WEBSITE ON JAPAN FOR EU COMPANIES The EU-Japan Centre is happy to inform you The EU-Japan Centre is developing a NEW website (www.EUbusinessinJapan.eu ) that in few days, its main website www.eu- dedicated to business information on Japan for EU companies. The website will be japan.eu will be put online with a brand new members only, feel free to already register (for free) at [email protected] with the layout. We hope that you will often visit it. mention “register to www.EUbusinessinJapan.eu “

IN THIS ISSUE

• Call for Interest for a New Centre’s Mission in is a joint venture co-financed by the European the EU: Competitiveness for Internationalisation Commission and the Japanese Ministry of • Call for Applications: Opportunity for EU-based companies to Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Its aim host a Japanese trainee - Vulcanus in Europe programme is to foster the development of industrial cooperation between companies from • Start of Bilateral EU-Japan Negotiations both regions through training programmes • Call for Applications: EU Gateway Mission to Japan - Environment and Energy for businesspeople, for EU and Japanese students and researchers, and through • Greater Nagoya Initiative Aerospace Europe Mission 2013 information services and an industrial • Aichi Region, the Special Zone to Create Asia’s No.1 Aerospace Industrial Cluster dialogue. • Zem2all Spanish-Japanese Project This quaterly newsletter is produced by the EU-based office of the EU-Japan Centre, and • Welcome Croatia is primarily intended to provide EU/Japan- • 50th Anniversary of the Japan Machinery Center related news. • Partnering Opportunities and News in Brief FROM CENTRE EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 2

Driving Competitiveness CALL FOR INTEREST Delivering Growth and Sustainable Jobs A NEW CENTRE’S MISSION: “COMPETITIVENESS FOR INTERNA- TIONALISATION”

The challenge is on for companies to in- ternationalise, to sell their products further afield, to export beyond their local markets. To do this they need to be competitive, and to be competitive they need to use good manufacturing practices. The EU-Japan Centre helps European businesses understand what these practices L to R: Richard Keegan, Enterprise Ireland; Simon Craig Gray, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation; Carl Klemm, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (Poland); Barbara Nolan, European Commission Representation in Ireland; Tom Hardiman, are and how they can be used. EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation (Supervisory Board) and Frank Ryan, Enterprise Ireland. In addition to organising twice yearly More than 400 people attended the “Driv- Klemm, President of the Board, Toyota Mo- World Class Manufacturing missions in ing Competitiveness” event in Dublin on tor Manufacturing Poland Ltd. Japan, the Centre will be launching a new 29/05/2013 organised by Enterprise Ire- scheme, “Competitiveness for Interna- land, supported by the Department of During the case study sessions, 40 leading tionalisation” to enable SMEs to visit lead- Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the Irish European, Japanese and Irish firms of all ing European factories to see world-class Presidency of the Council of the European sizes and from all sectors, gave their prac- principles in action and to encourage Union and the EU-Japan Centre. tical experience of what does and doesn’t them to adopt best practice techniques. work and how they achieve competitive- By becoming more efficient, they will be The opening session included a speech ness in a busy marketplace. better placed to develop their interna- by Simon Coveney TD, Irish Minister for tional activities. Agriculture, Food and the Marine and a http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/ keynote address on “The Toyota Way, Re- events/wcm_workshop_may2013. html?year=2013 The one-day visits will take place in dif- lentless Drive for Competitiveness” by Karl ferent locations around the EU and will include lectures, shop-floor visits, coach- WELCOME CROATIA requirements arising from the accession ne- ing and detailed explanations. Seeing is gotiations in all chapters. (…….). The Coun- believing: through the plant tour and discussions, SMEs will be inspired to contin- On 22 April 2013 the Council of cil looks forward to welcoming Croatia as a ue along or begin improvement activities. the European Union adopted the follow- member of the European Union on 1 July ing conclusion: “The Council welcomes 2013.” (http://www.consilium.europa.eu/ The Centre is now finalising details of the the Commission’s monitoring report of 26 uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/ge- visits, to get details of the visits once they March 2013 on Croatia’s accession prepara- naff/136898.pdf) are available, please contact c.godart@ tions and the accompanying monitoring In turn, the EU-Japan Centre looks forward eu-japan.eu, Tel: +32 2 282 3716 tables, and its conclusion that Croatia is to welcoming the first Croatian partici- generally meeting the commitments and pants on its training programmes in Japan.

SEMINAR REPORT Doha Climate Gateway: Assessment and Opportunities from the EU and Japanese Perspectives On 19 March, the EU-Japan Centre and the From Japan, Mr. Soichiro Seki, Director-Gen- Bureau of the Ministry of Economy, Trade EU Delegation to Japan co-organised a sem- eral for Global Environment Bureau of the & Industry (METI), who discussed how to inar in Tokyo on “Doha Climate Gateway: Ministry of Environment (MoE), presented enhance low carbon growth at home and Assessment and Opportunities from the EU Japan’s strategic actions on climate change. globally and underlined the efforts and and Japanese Perspectives”. measures being undertaken in industry. On the domestic side, the Japanese gov- Regarding the United Nations Framework The COP18/CMP8 (Doha, 2012 http://www. ernment is currently preparing to adopt a Convention on Climate Change (http://unf- cop18.qa) addressed a series of important new plan for global warming countermeas- ccc.int), Japan essentially considers that the and controversial issues concerning how to ures to succeed its Kyoto Protocol Target future framework needs to be applicable to pave the way from the old climate regime Achievement Plan, which expired at the end all Parties and be considered in a pragmatic to a new global climate agreement with all of March. For international actions, Prime way to allow diverse substantive measures countries, to be adopted in 2015. Minister Abe set a new direction at the first to be taken by each Party. Industrial Competitiveness Council meeting Mr. Artur Runge-Metzger, who is both Di- in January 2013 to review Japan’s existing Over 100 participants joined the seminar, rector for International & Climate Strat- 25% emission reduction target by COP19 with a high representation from industry, egy of DG Climate Action in the European (http://www.cop19.org), and to develop dip- EU Member States’ representatives in Japan Commission and the EU’s chief negotiator lomatic strategies to tackle climate change and NGOs. The Q&A session also touched for international climate negotiations, first with the aim of contributing to the world by upon the EU and Japanese views on the ac- outlined the state-of-play of the pre-2020 fully utilising Japanese advanced technolo- tions and new developments in China, the international climate policy framework af- gies. The current domestic discussion for U.S., etc. The full presentations and a report ter the climate summits in Copenhagen, building a new energy policy in Japan would on the main issues discussed are available on: Cancun, Durban and Doha and where the play a role in the emission target review world stands in terms of the climate change today. He then discussed the key issues and The seminar was also joined by Mr. Hideo http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/ the EU’s perspectives on the road to a 2015 Suzuki, Director-General for Industrial Sci- events/doha_seminar_19032013. html?year=2013 agreement on climate change. ence & Technology Policy and Environment FROM CENTRE EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 3

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Vulcanus in Europe Host company’s advantag- Opportunity for EU-based companies es: a valuable addition to Feedback from a Vulcanus to host a Japanese trainee. the R&D workforce and an Host Company since 2012 insight into the Japanese The Centre is inviting applications from EU culture, extremely useful companies and research centres to host Jap- for successful business with Hubert Golle, Product Manager, Japan. Robotina (SI) http://www.robotina.si anese trainees for an 8-month internship in the EU from August 2014 to March 2015. - Application deadline: 30 September 2013 Vulcanus is a win-win program for both the The trainees come from leading Japanese - Contact: Margherita Rosada on +32 2 282 Japanese student and the European host 3715 or by e-mail: [email protected] company. It is very well prepared and struc- universities and are students in engineer- - More information & application form: tured, so has important impacts for both: ing or other scientific/high-tech fields. They will be able to communicate in the EU the student gets valuable hands-on expe- http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/host- rience in a real business environment and company’s local language. a-trainee.html the company gains a deeper understanding of the Japanese way of working. The eight- month period of work is long enough to Vulcanus in Japan Publication Through surveys and tes- deliver practical results. timonials, the impact that The Centre is pleased to announce that the the Vulcanus activity has « Vulcanus in Japan » publication has now had on their lives is clear: a new layout, as intense as the enthusiasm for many of our alumni, and passion of our participants! their Vulcanus experi- Feel free to discover it... ences set the direction for NEW: This new version is in two lan- their future careers, and guages at a time: English and Japanese. their time spent in Japan has inspired them to continue working both More than 15 years on from its creation as in and with Japan across the world. a way of preparing the next generation With both the qualitative and quantita- of European engineers to be able to work tive data gathered, the Centre hopes to be with Japan, more than a hundred of its able to continue to build co-operation and alumni are working in EU-Japan related ac- provide life-experiences, and to tailor the Personally, I would recommend applying for tivities. Experiences of many Alumni have the Vulcanus scheme if you want to improve programme to help create even more open been brought together in this Vulcanus minded and international business leaders. your ability to do business with the Japanese. publication. http://documents.eu-japan.eu/vulca- nus_japan/vij15.pdf http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/host- a-trainee.html New Report from the Centre

STEP IN JAPAN A mapping attempt on EU SMEs http://www.eu-japan.eu/documents/ in Japan with a branch office. media/publications/EU_SMEs_local_ FREE logistic branch_in_Japan.pdf support for EU SMEs entering CALL FOR APPLICATIONS or expanding in Japan. MINERVA – New Fellowship Scheme

EU SMEs can benefit of FREE logistic sup- Minerva is a EU-Japan Centre’s paid fellow- eration from multiple perspectives (trade/ port and business assistance in Tokyo, up ship in Tokyo on research and policy analy- market access, economy, industrial policy, to one month. sis of EU-Japan economic and industrial business, R&D, etc.). issues. Support measures: The fellowship, paid the amount of - a “hotdesk” in Tokyo within the Centre’s The winner of the first Minerva call 1700~1800 EUR/month, will cover a period premises (including internet connection is Mr Stijn Lambrecht, from Belgium. of 6 months, twice a year, April-September and telephone) for up to 1 month (maxi- The title of his reasearch will be: Clean and October-March. Energy Sector in Japan - An analysis on mum 2 beneficiaries within the same The fellows will support the daily analyti- time slot); Investment and Industrial Cooperation Opportunities for EU SMEs. cal activities of the Centre (organisation of - access to meeting and seminar facilities seminars and reports, regular surveys and within the Centre’s premises; briefings on Japan industrial and economic - information inquiry helpdesk on Japan; Should you be interested in applying to the next session (October 2013 –March 2014), policy) and will undertake research work assistance for using the Enterprise Eu- on a selected priority topic of the Centre, rope Network service while in Japan. please submit your application by 15 July 2013. which should result in a consistent policy Any SME wishing to benefit from this report (20-30 pages), to be owned and support is free to contact: This new pilot fellowship scheme targets published by the Centre. [email protected] younger EU and Japanese academics, For more information, please contact: Application form and details: trade, economic, business and industrial [email protected] analysts and civil servants, with an ac- http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/step- tive interest in Japan and EU-Japan coop- http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/ in-japan.html minerva.html FROM EU EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 4

Start of Bilateral EU-Japan Negotiations and EU-Japan FTA Negotiations: Commissioner De Gucht’s visit to Japan State of Play and Future Prospects

The importance of bilateral economic relations between EU and Japan is hard to understate: the EU and Japan are respec- tively the largest and fourth largest economies in the world and the combined value of both markets accounts for more than a third of global economic activity.

When looking at EU-Japan relations from a trade perspective, however, there is often a perception that there is still a lot of economic potential to be unlocked. While the overall volume of the bilateral trade has increased continuously over the past decade, in recent years its rela- tive importance has declined. An impact assessment study showed that an ambitious agreement liberalising trade between the EU and Japan could bring gains Mauro Petriccione (right), Director for Development and Management of Trade Relations with Neighbourhood Countries of up to 0.8% of EU’s GDP. and with South-East Asia at the DG Trade, and Jun Yokota (left), Japanese Chief Negotiator, Special Representative of the Government in charge of the negotiations on the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and Japan The willingness to unlock this potential is what led the EU and Japan to embark on a preparatory exercise, the so-called On 25 March the long awaited launch of The financial situation in Cyprus led to “scoping exercise”, and then on 25 March the EU-Japan negotiations towards a Free the postponement of the 21st Summit 2013 to launch the negotiations for an Trade Agreement (FTA) and a Framework between Japan and the European Union. ambitious Free Trade Agreement. The Agreement (FA) was announced. Nevertheless, the visit to Japan by the EU first round of negotiations took place in Commissioner for Trade Karel De Gucht in Brussels on 15-19 April 2013 and a second The formal decision to start the negotia- the midst of aforementioned tumultuous round is scheduled in Tokyo on 24-28 tions was taken by Japan’s Prime Minister developments, and the capacity of the June 2013. Shinzo Abe together with the European Japanese side to accommodate and meet Commission President Jose Manuel Bar- with the Commissioner convey a strong NEGOTIATE A BROAD AGREEMENT roso and the European Council President signal of both sides’ commitment to EU- Herman Van Rompuy. Japan relations. The objective is to negotiate a broad agreement that covers not only trade in THE OUTCOME OF THE SCOPING EXERCISE Meetings with METI Minister Motegi, Dep- goods, but also issues such as services, uty Prime Minister and Finance Minister public procurement, non-tariff barri- The launch has been prepared for some Aso and the Minister for Economic Revi- ers, intellectual property including geo- years and is the result of a concerted effort talization Amari were all held, and both graphical indications, and competition. to solidify the foundation of the bilateral sides seized the opportunity to exchange Clearly, the negotiations will not be easy. relationship. Specifically, the FTA nego- views and together set the directions tiations are based on the outcome of the for the FTA negotiations. In speaking at a On the EU side, market access in certain scoping exercise completed last year. In jointly organised EBC-Keidanren luncheon, industrial sectors is a sensitive issue. For the context of this exercise, both parties De Gucht also stressed the importance of its part, Japan will need to carry out major demonstrated willingness and capacity to continuous, full commitment and determi- reforms in order to address some of the commit to an ambitious trade liberalisation nation at the highest political level for the non-tariff barriers that currently hinder agenda covering all issues, including non- successful conclusion of the negotiations. imports and investments. It will also have tariff barriers or access to public procure- to further open up its public procurement ment. Undeniably, Europe and Japan have both market, especially for railway and urban been hit by the global economic crisis and transport, and to make it easier for the Given the respective positions of the EU face similar structural challenges, charac- EU to export certain agricultural goods to and Japan in the world trade and economy terised by tepid economic growth, aging Japan. as a whole, the significance of deepening populations and the need to develop new the bilateral economic and political ties export markets. A comprehensive, ambi- Both sides were fully aware of these chal- cannot be underestimated. tious FTA will unquestionably help both lenges when they decided to launch the As such, an eventual trade agreement does countries on the path to recovery and a negotiations. But they are also conscious not only represent an opportunity to bring sustainable economic growth path, all of the considerable potential economic dividends to both economies, but perhaps while bringing the EU-Japan relationship benefits that are at stake. EU and Japan more importantly is a chance for two de- to a wholly new level. should remain optimistic, therefore, that terminedly trade-liberal countries to help by working together it will be able to shape the future of international trade rela- Source: Delegation of the European Union to Japan achieve a result which is good for both tions and promote a fairer, more transpar- the EU and Japan. ent and less protectionist global trading environment. http://ec.europa.eu/avservices/pho- Source: European Commission, DG TRADE to/photoDetails.cfm?sitelang=en&ref =P-023065/00-04#0 FROM EU EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 5

CALL FOR IDEAS Environment and Energy The definition of potential GNSS R&D activities funded under Horizon 2020 Business Mission to Japan Japan’s environment and energy mar- Horizon 2020 is the next Research and ket – the third biggest worldwide – offers Development (R&D) framework pro- huge opportunities in areas ranging from gramme of the European Union, to be waste recycling to soil remediation and launched in 2014 and covering the period energy saving. EU Gateway, funded by the 2014 – 2020. Within this programme, R&D European Union, organises one-week busi- activities shall be carried out in the frame ness missions to help European companies of satellite navigation, in the areas of in- seize these opportunities. Applications for frastructure, applications, technology the 2014 environment and energy busi- and services. ness mission to Tokyo, taking place from Irrespective of the final set up that will 3-7 February 2014, are now open. frame the GNSS-related R&D activities it is key to identify already by mid-2013 Plugwise, a Dutch company who partici- the Swedish company Bioprocess Control potential GNSS R&D activity areas which pated in previous missions, is convinced of explains, high quality, high reliability and shall be funded by the H2020 programme the benefits of EU Gateway: Specialised in a business relationship based on trust are and to develop a multi-annual strategic energy saving technologies, they enjoyed key to success in Japan. R&D programme concept. the opportunity to present their products to potential partners and customers in a For more information on previous partici- The Directorate-General for Enterprise professional setting. These contacts devel- pants and their EU Gateway experience: and Industry of the European Commis- oped by now into concrete business. http://www.eu-gateway.eu/environmen- sion is launching a call for expression of tal-and-energy-related-technologies ideas with the objective of gathering Helping companies to build contacts recommendations in satellite navigation through business exhibition days and tar- Companies interested in joining the mission R&D activities. geted individual meetings is one aspect are invited to apply by 27 September 2013. These views will be of great help for the of EU Gateway. Increasing market under- EC to design the R&D activities that will be standing and addressing cultural differ- supported by Horizon 2020, and to iden- ences through briefings, study tours and http://www.eu-gateway.eu/environ- tify European capacities and weaknesses market studies are equally important. As ment-and-energy in this field. The call for expression of ideas will be open until 31 July 2013. EU Delegation Steps up its Cybersphere Presence with new Source: European Commission Smartphone Application and Website Design http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ The Delegation of the European Union to The new ‘EU IN JAPAN APP’ is an official ap- newsroom/cf/itemdetail.cfm?item_ Japan will made further use of digital tools plication developed by the EU Delegation id=6601 to reach out to a wider audience, with the to Japan in Japanese that offers a wealth launch of a new application for iPhones, of information about the EU and its insti- iPads and Android smartphones that aims tutions including the euro single currency to provide an entertaining way to learn and tourism and weather facts in the EU GUIDEBOOK about the EU in Japanese. The Delegation Member States. has also revamped the look of its official How to use Structural Source: Delegation of the European Union to Japan Website, making it fully social-media capa- Funds for SME & Entre- ble and enabling visitors an easier way to preneurship Policy http://www.euinjapan.jp/en/media/ navigate the information available. news/news2013/20130501/144612/ From the Guidebook Series, the Guidebook number 6 on “How to use Struc- MEP Visit to Japan tural Funds for SME & Entrepreneurship Policy” is already available in English lan- Key issues that were covered guage at the following address. included the impending start of negotiations on an EU-Japan Free Trade Agreement and a http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/ political Framework Agreement; sme/regional-sme-policies/ the financial and economic situation in the European Union; the policies of the new government; and Japan’s relations with its neighbours, particularly North EU-JAPAN TRADE FIGURES Korea and China. A delegation of MEPs headed by Mr Hans The MEPs also visited the Miyagi prefecture, Last March, Eurostat, the statistical office of van Baalen, a Dutch Liberal, visited Japan the European Union, issued data on inter- which had been heavily hit by the tsunami between 11 and 15 February 2013 for the in March 2011. They were deeply moved by national trade in goods and services and 34th EU-Japan Interparliamentary Meeting investments between the EU and Japan. the sufferings endured by the local popu- (this is an annual event held alternately in lation and the fortitude that they had dis- Source: Eurostat Europe and Japan). The 13 member group played. They were also extremely impressed held meetings with their counterparts in by the significant reconstruction work that http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_ the Japanese Diet and also met ministers in had taken place in the last two years. STAT-13-47_en.htm?locale=en the new government of Prime Minister Abe. Source: European Parliament FROM JAPAN EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 6

Ambassador Shiojiri Opens the 50th Anniversary of the Japan Machinery Center Brussels Office Seminar Ambassador Shiojiri gave the opening speech at the 50th Anniversary of the Japan Machinery Center Brussels Of- fice seminar. The Ambassador spoke on the topic of ‘fostering and developing EU-Japan economic integration’.

On the issue of the Japan-EU EPA, Ambassador Shiojiri remarked that: “Japan-EU trade relations are missing a huge opportunity. The negotiation on Japan-EU EPA was launched in April. I think we should take this as a great opportunity to reinvigorate the Japan-EU economic relationship into a new chapter”.

The Ambassador also congratulated the work of the Japan Machinery Center: “coordination between the industrial circle and the government is as important as those between industries. The JMC plays this very important role, and I wish to express my sincere gratitude for all the efforts made by the JMC, and also would like to ask you all to respond to the demands of the present age and join our efforts in forging a brighter future”.

The full text of this speech is available on the website of the Mission of Japan to the EU. http://www.eu.emb-japan.go.jp/Ja- Source: Mission of Japan to the EU pan_Machinery_Center_speech.html

Japanese Week in Brussels 2013 Japan-EU Negotiations Underway

The Mission of Japan to the EU would like The first round of negations between Ja- Special Representative of the Government to express its gratitude to all who sup- pan and the EU on the Economic Partner- of Japan in charge of the Japan-EU EPA ported Japanese Week in Brussels 2013. ship Agreement (EPA) and the Political Mr. Jun Yokota described it as a “very im- agreement took place in April. portant moment”. At the meeting on the The success of Japanese week can be felt Political agreement, both sides exchanged in many areas. Foremost, as an expression Less than a month after negotiations were their respective views on the basic ideas of of solidarity with those who continue to officially launched, Japan and the EU gath- structure and content for the agreement. suffer in the aftermath of the disaster, ered around the negotiation table. From this week sent a powerful message. Each 15-19 April talks on the EPA were held in The next round of negotiations on both event attracted a large number of par- Brussels, while from 19-22 April negotia- agreements is expected to take place be- ticipants from all walks of life, and raised tions on the Political agreement took place fore the summer in Tokyo and Brussels. in Tokyo. awareness of Japan and reinforced the Source: Mission of Japan to the EU ties between Japan and the EU. Source: Mission of Japan to the EU Japan-EU Trade in focus in The Parliament Magazine The Parliament Magazine, the leading mag- and the Political agreement, arguing that azine following the work of the European “Japan and the EU have waited long JETRO’s Survey Parliament, has focused on ‘EU-Japan Trade’ enough to elevate their relations and seize in its latest edition (Edition of May 13). what is a mutually beneficial relationship”. Foreign Firms Regarding Obstacles and Necessary Improvements in Doing Ambassador Shiojiri in an opinion piece For more visit the website of The Parlia- Business in Japan. for ‘The Parliament Magazine’ calls for ment Magazine. Japan and the EU to seize the historic op- The Japan External Trade Organization portunity presented by the Japan-EU EPA Source: Mission of Japan to the EU (JETRO) released the results of its latest survey of foreign firms operating in Ja- http://www.theparliament.com pan, conducted between February and March 2013, receiving valid responses from 102 companies. BioJapan Welcomes European Participants BioJapan - Asia’s Premier partnering event exhibitor groups have announced their The summary points of the survey are for the biotechnology industry - plays an participation. Late applications for the ex- as follows: major issues given are busi- important role in facilitating interaction hibition are still possible. ness costs, communication, regulations, between Japanese and international com- The BioJapan Partnering system makes it business permits and finding human re- panies/organisations and stimulating new easy to find potential partners and set up sources. business opportunities. Almost all Japa- nese pharmaceutical and biotech compa- one-to-one meetings. The 2013 partner- Full survey is available online. nies will gather in the 15th BioJapan. ing is expected to attract 600+ companies Source: JETRO from 25+ countries/regions. The online Besides the Cluster Mission organised system will open in Mid-July. by the EU-Japan Centre (http://www.eu- http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/news/ japan.eu/global/business-training/bio- http://www.ics-expo.jp/biojapan/ releases/20130417004-news cluster-mission.html), German and Belgian index.html FROM JAPAN EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 7

Greater Nagoya Initiative Aerospace Europe Mission 2013 Introduction of Japan Paris and Nantes, France, 16-22 June 2013 Online Game Association

Each year since 2009, the Greater Nagoya As an activity that enhances global rela- Initiative (GNI) has sent a mission to inter- tionships, business matching will be un- national aviation shows in Europe to sup- dertaken in collaboration with CEEVO and port Japanese companies and to acceler- ASTech Paris Region. Both GNI and CEEVO ate overseas operations and promote the have enhanced the mutual relations and Japan Online Game Association (JOGA), region, which is the centre of the Aerospace strengthened economic ties through the established in 2007, is an association of on- Special Zone and the major Aerospace clus- exchange of views and by business match- line game companies (publishers/devel- ter of Japan. ing with local companies in Val d’Oise who opers). A predecessor of JOGA was Online are deepening economic ties with Greater Game Forum which was established as a This year the GNI will hold Nagoya’s companies. voluntary association in 2004. Online Game the Symposium Greater Na- Forum was a part of the plan of an indus- goya Aerospace 2013 during Moreover, the GNI will also visit two key try cluster policy in Japan, which mainly the 50th International Paris organisations: Bretagne International in focused on the development of the typical Air Show with the support of Rennes and the EMC2 cluster, the centre of industries of each area and those related Comité d’Expansion Economique du Val development of advanced composite mate- venture companies, by Ministry of Economy, d’Oise (CEEVO) and ASTech Paris Region. rial located in Nantes, France, in order to im- Trade and Industry. 80% of the ICT enter- During the symposium the GNI will intro- prove the industrial advances of GN region prises and the venture companies for Japa- duce Greater Nagoya’s companies with the and help the region serve as an international nese content business were concentrated aim of attracting national governments, hub. There, GNI will also discuss methods to in the Kanto area, which includes Tokyo. major companies and clusters all over the develop relationships between the cluster The industry cluster policy for ICT and con- world into the GN region, and in doing so, and research institutes such as the National tent business was carried out in order to ac- improve global economic relations be- Composite Center in Nagoya University and tivate this cluster. tween key organisations and GNI. local companies in GN region. In 2005, online Game Forum conducted the The symposium is scheduled for the 17 of http://greaternagoya.org/en/news_ first online gaming market research in Ja- June, between 10h30-12h30, at the Espace event/brochure/greater-nagoya-ae- pan, and since its establishment, JOGA has Alizé - Terminal d’Aviation d’Affaires (100, rospace-europe-mission-2013.html taken over this research. In fact, the result rue Henri Lossier Aéroport du Bourget http://greaternagoya.org/en/news_ of this research comprises the official Japa- 93350 LE BOURGET). event/symposium-greater-nagoya- nese figure for the online gaming market. aerospace-2013.html In these days, lot of our member companies operates games not only for PCs but also smartphones and tablet PCs. There are ap- proximately 80,000,000 user accounts for Belgian Companies at JETRO’s Buyer Invitation Program PC online games which are operated by JOGA member companies. This number JETRO Offices hosted representatives from The participants this year took part in three occupies 3/4 of the total user accounts in Belgian companies in its Buyer Invitation trade sectors: Interior Decor & Design Prod- Japan. As far as the App market for smart- Program. JETRO’s Buyer Invitation Program ucts, Shochu & Sake, and Food Products. phones is concerned, JOGA members also is a trade promoting programme which in- The programmes took place in Takaoka City, account for quite a high rate. Under those vites buyers from various countries to Japan Fukushima Region, and Osaka & Kyoto. Each circumstances, JOGA is currently conduct- for free; to meet with and discuss possible programme incorporates a programme for ing a survey for game applications for smart trade ventures with specially selected local the participants which includes a cultural side devices as well. companies in certain regions in Japan. to present the region and its specialties and a business side in which participants choose In terms of JOGA members, NHN Japan The goal of the programme is to match up busi- company profiles to meet and discuss poten- Corporation, which provides games such as ness between Japanese SMEs and foreign buy- tial partnerships. “LINE POP” for “LINE”, a well-known messag- ers, to promote exports of Japanese SMEs. Eu- JETRO Brussels is very pleased with the pro- ing app, and GungHo Online Entertainment ropean and American companies partake in the gramme’s success, as this was the first time Inc., the publisher of the No.1-ranked game program to meet with SME vendors in Japan. In Belgian companies participated in the pro- “Puzzle & Dragons” on both iOS and Google terms of benefits for the participants there are gram. Furthermore the Belgian companies Play platforms, were the original members two key goals for JETRO. Firstly they aim to pro- that were sent to Japan have already signed who have played the active role since 2004. mote Japanese SMEs abroad through sales to various contracts with participants from the European importers, and secondly to increase Japanese side. In 2012, the scale of the Japanese online trade between Japan and European countries. Each year the programme focus evolves and gaming market, in its broadest terms in- The Buyer Invitation Program is a day showcase the market sectors change, JETRO Brussels cluding social games and games for smart- of a region and its SMEs, usually done along a hopes to send many more Belgian compa- phones, has an estimated value of 500 bil- trade fair in order to maximise participants’ vis- nies to Japan to encourage SME business. If lion yen. There is an increase in the number ibility. 3 Belgian companies participated in the companies are interested in this program and of JOGA members which have expanded programmes. These Belgian companies were believe that they are able to import directly their business overseas year on year. JOGA chosen from among a shortlist of 10 companies from Japan please send your letters of inter- develops co-operative relationships with in the specific markets and were successful due est to the JETRO Brussels general address counterparts in foreign countries and sup- to their business ethic, experience in purchas- ([email protected]) or to the Programme ports Japanese companies to advance ing outside the EU and their passion for Japa- Coordinator ([email protected]). overseas. nese products. http://www.jetro.go.jp/belgium/ http://www.japanonlinegame.org/ topics/20120727688-topics english/ FROM JAPAN EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 8

AICHI REGION, the Special Zone to Create Asia’s No.1 Aerospace Industrial Cluster

THIRD ECONOMIC AREA IN JAPAN More recently, Mitsubishi Aircraft Corpora- SPECIAL ZONE TO CREATE ASIA’S NO.1 tion has been developing the Mitsubishi AEROSPACE INDUSTRIAL CLUSTER Located in nearly the centre of Japan, Regional Jet (MRJ), which will be the very between Tokyo and Osaka, Aichi Prefecture first Japan-made jet liner since the 1960’s, It is with this background that, as part of is the third economic area in Japan. It is also in the Aichi region. With its maiden flight the “Comprehensive Special Zone for Inter- the heart of Japan’s manufacturing sector, scheduled this year, the first aircraft will be national Competitiveness Development” as it is the first prefecture in Japan in terms handed over to All Nippon Airways in 2015. scheme, seven regions were selected by the of value of manufactured products. Aichi Japanese government for their international gathers Japan’s leading companies such as Aichi also features Japan’s highest concen- competitiveness and their expertise in sec- Toyota and Denso in the automotive sector, tration of space industries: the world-famous tors with high potential to boost domestic and Yamazaki Mazak and Mori Seiki in the H-II rocket, the International Space Station’s growth. As for the Aichi region, it was des- machine tool sector. science module “Kibo” and the cargo trans- ignated as a “Special Zone to Create Asia’s No.1 Aerospace Industrial Cluster” in De- cember 2011. Specifically, Aichi and neigh- bouring prefectures are committed to building Japan’s largest industrial base equipped with an integrated system of research and development, design, flight testing, manufacturing, and maintenance, with the aim of becoming one of the top three hubs in the global aerospace industry rivalling leading European and American regions. Accord- ing to numerical targets, the Aichi region is expected to raise its aerospace production value from 700 billion yen to 900 billion yen.

Various support programs are offered to the The prefecture enjoys the largest concentra- fer vehicle “HTV”, as well as other major space Comprehensive Special Zone, which include tion of aerospace companies, which enables appliances currently under development, are preferential measures in regulatory compli- it to represent more than half of the national all assembled in central Japan. ance (such as partial simplification of tariff production of aircraft and aircraft parts. exemption process and easing of building Last year, Aichi was designated as a “Special The prefecture is also home to numerous restrictions), financial support, and tax in- Zone to Create Asia’s No.1 Aerospace Indus- small and mid-sized component suppli- centives. Additional support is also provid- trial Cluster” by the Japanese government, ers who support the development of the ed by local governments, such as reductions as its international competitiveness and its aerospace industry. With their outstand- and exemptions of real estate acquisition expertise in this sector was recognised as ing technology and precision, these sup- tax and other local taxes, but also a wide ar- having a high potential to boost the domes- pliers are able to provide state-of-the art ray of subsidy programs. Technological and tic growth. As the area covered by the des- cutting, grinding, surface treatment, and R&D support, through incentives and coor- ignation is to be expanded by the national press moulding technologies, while major dination with R&D organisations, is another authorities, the local expertise in aerospace machine tool makers (Yamazaki Mazak, Mori service which is provided to investing com- is expected to increase further. Seiki, Okuma, Jtekt, Amada) are also located panies. in the area. Among Japan’s aerospace industry key play- Even though the Special Zone was initially ers are Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawa- As for carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), which has been increasingly used in aircraft, restricted to 9 cities in 2011, the area cov- saki Heavy Industries, and Fuji Heavy Indus- ered by the zone will soon include 37 cities tries, and all of them have major production major CFRP producers such as Toray Indus- tries, Mitsubishi Rayon, and Tohotenax are in the Aichi, Gifu, and Mie Prefectures, also bases gathered in Aichi. In addition, many known as the “Greater Nagoya Area”. Under aircraft components suppliers are located in also present in Aichi. Up to now, both Toray and Nagoya University had been conduct- this new scheme, 65 companies can ben- the area: not only do these mid-sized com- efit from the aforementioned support meas- panies supply parts for domestic manufac- ing their R&D in their own facilities, but with the opening of the “National Compos- ures, while the competitiveness of the local turers, but they also have direct business suppliers is expected to strengthen. deals with major aircraft manufacturers such ite Center” in April 2013, the automotive industry has become a new participating as Boeing, Airbus, Bombardier, and Embraer. During the next Paris Air Show, Aichi Pre- In the aerospace industry, international member, and the applications for CFRP are expected to widen. fecture, other public bodies and private joint development has been a global trend companies will host a symposium entitled recently, and both Japanese aircraft manu- It is therefore quite logical that the Japan “Greater Nagoya Aerospace 2013” on 17 facturers and component suppliers have International Aerospace Exhibition, which is June, where a detailed presentation of the played an important part. held every four years, was held in Aichi in Oc- local aerospace industry and its promotion An example of their involvement is the Boe- tober 2012. With 664 companies and organi- will be conducted, along with insights into ing 787, where the total of Japanese com- sations from 32 countries, as well as 21,753 the cutting-edge technologies of local companies’ involvement in its development trade visitors and 141,131 general visitors, the panies. reached 35%, a figure which is roughly simi- exhibition ended up as a great success. In ad- lar to Boeing’s own involvement. dition, the organisation of an international Please feel free to contact JETRO Paris – Aichi symposium on space technology and science Prefecture Office for further information. in June 2013 is expected to stimulate further the local aerospace industry. http://www.jetro.go.jp/france/jetro/ bureaux/ FROM EU-JAPAN EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 9

JAPAN CALLING: Hasekura 2.0 Business Exchange Program Maximise Your Com- pany’s Success in Japan with JMEC! TOHOKU, LAND OF OPPORTUNITIES. - Are you facing challenges in the Japanese The reconstruction process of post-tsunami Japan represents a challenge, but also market? a unique opportunity to rethink a number of social, economic and political issues at - Could you benefit from a well-researched stake in the 21st century, not only within Japan but also abroad. business plan? If the answer is yes, then contact JMEC now! The use of renewable energies, sustainable JMEC is a professional business plan com- and responsible development, revitalisa- petition that helps European companies, tion of regional areas, shrinking and ag- including large corporations and SMEs ing population are issues of great interest (Project Clients), maximise their business and the way they will be solved in Tohoku success in Japan while strengthening the could serve as a model for other devel- business skills of mid-career professionals oped as well as developing countries, too. (Participants). Project Clients receive a thorough, con- Within this exciting environment, it is im- fidential, ready-to-use business plan at a portant for Japanese political and business fraction of the cost of outside consultants or decision makers to broaden their horizons even internal resources. Actively supported and look for inspiration, share information by most European chambers in Japan and and exchange their knowhow outside their by many seasoned entrepreneurs, JMEC has domestic boundaries. There is also a lot to been a vital part of the business community be learned from history. In this sense, Japan’s in Tokyo since 1993. openness to the outside world right after learning from the mistakes as well as the a similarly disastrous tsunami in 1611, may successful policies implemented by their 954 professionals from over 52 countries serve as an example also for the reconstruc- Spanish counterparts. have already been trained, and 178 custom- tion process taking place in Tohoku today. ised business plans have been written for Higher priority is given to the tourist, food organisations addressing all possible objec- Following the example of Hasekura and beverage, art crafts & design sectors tives, including market entry, product and Tsunenaga, the samurai that led the first with a strong component of creativity and service launches, distribution strategies, tar- Japanese expedition to Europe back in 1613, innovation, social and environmental re- geting new market segments, etc. and on the occasion of the 400th Anniversa- sponsibility and sustainability and with a ry of the establishment of the Bilateral Rela- positive impact on local communities. How does your organisation benefit? tions between Spain and Japan (1613-2013), - Out-of-the-box solutions: receive a well- the NPO Hasekura Program wishes to: Through the creation of personal links, the interchange of ideas and the discussion on researched and innovative plan, uncon- - Promote the mutual understanding, the strained by in-house politics (roughly 50 to business/political issues of common inter- interchange of professional experience est, this program aims at facilitating the es- 100 pages, plus appendices). and ideas between Japanese and Spanish - Comprehensive research: teams of five tablishment of an open dialogue between SMEs, Social Entrepreneurs and Regional Spanish and Japanese entrepreneurs and or six dedicated individuals are assigned to Institutions; your project from January to May, research- institutions, leading to an improved bilat- ing and devising your plan. - Give support to Japanese Family-size eral flow of economic and institutional re- - Quality control: knowledgeable and expe- companies and Social Entrepreneurs active lations. rienced mentors and consultants monitor in the reconstruction process of Tohoku, as and support the teams. well as to Spanish Small business affected The Hasekura 2.0 Program has been offi- - Actionable results: a survey of past Project by the economic crisis, by means of the in- cially recognised by both the Spanish and Clients shows that two-thirds began im- ternationalisation of their business; the Japanese Ministries of Foreign Affairs plementing their business plan within six as one of the activities that celebrate the months of receipt, and all said they received - Actively involve Japanese local authori- Year of Spain and Japan (2013-14). results as expected or better. ties and provide them with a platform from where to inform the outside world about JMEC 20 will start in November 2013. the current situation of Tohoku, while http://www.jmec.gr.jp http://hasekuraprogram.com/

Textiles are on show in Tokyo The first meeting of the Franco-Japanese textiles work group was held on Friday, 29 March in Tokyo. It was set up by the French and Japanese governments in order to develop technology partnerships and trade between the two countries. The meeting was chaired by Fleur Pellerin, French Minister Delegate for production, responsible for SMEs, innovation and the digital economy. The French delegation was made up of Fleur Pellerin and her colleague, the Techtera and Up-Tex innovation clusters, large and small businesses representing the sector and members of Techtera. This first session will be followed by other meetings between now and the end of 2013. One of these meetings will take place on June 19 and 20 in Lyon, in parallel with Techtera’s general assembly. NEXT STEP An official trip to Japan organised by Techtera under the banner of the Textile2020 European http://www.techtera.org programme. FROM EU-JAPAN EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 10

Zem2all Spanish-Japanese Project SEMINAR: European ICT Zem2all is a four-year Spanish-Japanese or places of work. In Lab for Innovative Japanese demonstration project with a 60 million addition, nine fast Startups - Case Study in Euro budget designed to enable the mass charging stations with Luxembourg rollout of new e-mobility services and ben- capacity for 23 vehi- Tokyo, Japan, 25 July 2013 efits. Endesa is leading Spain’s part of the cles will be installed project, which also involves Telefónica and around the city. This event is a unique forum to discuss Ayesa, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Japanese technology startups’ attempt leads Japan’s part, alongside partners in- The points will provide an 80% charge in to develop overseas markets and their cluding Mitsubishi Corporation and Hitachi. less than half an hour, thereby increasing opportunities in Europe for business and user autonomy. Six rapid recharges technological collaboration. with V2G technology will be placed enabling the vehicles to receive ener- As an example a report on “ICT Spring Eu- gy from the grid and, when demand rope 2013”, a rapidly growing ICT innova- is high to return power to the system. tion forum held in Luxembourg in June, will be delivered and Luxembourg Trade The entire infrastructure is connected and Investment Office in Japan will invite to a specific control centre and thus, 10 Japanese ICT startups to participate in users will have useful real-time infor- this event, expecting to reach out to the mation. An interaction network will European audience. also be set up to enable the various Mr. Koichiro Tsujino, CEO of ALEX Corpo- agents involved in the e-mobility ration and former President of Google project (vehicles, users, city council, Japan, will talk about the importance of ZEM2ALL has enlisted the assistance of 200 citizens, recharging points, distribution net- overseas markets for Japanese SMEs in residents of Malaga, who will rent a Mit- work, etc.) to communicate with each other the internet age and will share his experi- subishi iMiev electric car and will have 200 and operate via different social networks. ence of participating to ICT Spring 2013 conventional charging points equipped as a keynote speaker. with Endesa technology at their homes http://www.zem2all.com The EU-Japan Centre will present GNSS. Asia project which promotes EU-Asia collaboration in developing satellite position- Luxembourg NPO Invites Japanese Digital ing applications using Galileo. In addition, it provides Enterprise Europe Network, a Companies for its Incubation Programme cross border business partnership tool. Europe4StartUps is a non-profit organisa- On this occasion, Europe4StartUps decid- tion that helps promising digital compa- ed to call for application in Japan to its in- From the Belgium Luxembourg Chamber nies to start up or boost their ventures in cubation programme. 2 digital companies of Commerce in Japan (BLCCJ), a presen- Europe by providing them with 12 months will be awarded a Europe4StartUps service tation of their services to bridge compa- of premium cloud storage and additional package (estimated value: 100,000 USD) nies from BELUX and Japan will be made, business services for free and without any that includes 1 year of high value services and finally a Luxembourg-based NPO obligation to contract. (cloud, business, marketing and so on) to “Europe4Startups” will announce their successfully tap the EU market. incubation programme offered to Japa- The Europe4StartUps team will visit Japan nese tech startups. All participants are to participate to the forum “European ICT Deadline is due 20 July 2013 and applica- welcome to a networking cocktail follow- Lab for Innovative Japanese Startups” on tion is free. ing the seminar. 25 July and will present useful tips and ad- vice to successfully enter the EU market. http://www.Europe4StartUps.com/ contest http://www.investinluxembourg.jp

EXPERT VIEW Growing Significance of Japan-Czech Republic Social and Economic Relationship By Michal Klocek, Group Business Development Manager, Hitachi Europe Ltd. Not many in Europe are aware of the strength and importance of the Currently in the Czech Republic, the most popular sectors where Japa- relationship between the Czech Republic and Japan. Since the 50th nese companies are present are transportation machinery (automo- anniversary of the restoration of diplomatic relations between the biles and automotive parts) and general machinery. However Japan, two countries, celebrated in 2007, that relationship seems to be even aware of growing technological needs, tries to promote its smart and more solid. innovative solutions. 8.5% of the total number of Japanese manufacturing companies present in Europe and Turkey are located in the Czech Republic. With Since 2009, the Japanese government organisation NEDO (New Energy that result the Czech Republic is ranked fourth in Europe in terms and Industrial Technology Development Organization), together with of the number of Japanese manufacturing affiliates (just after the the Czech Ministry of the Environment, organises annually a workshop UK, Germany and France). In addition, the Czech Republic is one of devoted to Japanese low carbon technologies. During the last event, few countries in Europe where the number of Japanese companies among the most important topics discussed were electric vehicles, gas- still continues to grow (94 manufacturing companies in 2010, three powered vehicles and top of the class large rechargeable batteries. times more than in 2000). Also external trade shows a positive trend. In addition to these strong economic ties, also social relations are be- While importation (from Japan to the Czech Republic) remains on a coming more and more meaningful. The Japanese tourism in the Czech stable level, the exportation continues to grow (since 2008 by 12% a Republic is growing as well. Over 2012 almost 137,000 Japanese tourists year on average) reaching over EUR 555m last year. visited Czech Republic which represents 12.3% year-on-year growth. http://www.hitachi.eu/index.jsp FROM EU-JAPAN EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 11

BLCCJ Activity Calendar 2013 INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM Spring and autumn are traditionally the CALL FOR APPLICATIONS Which Future for Manufactur- busiest seasons for the Belgian-Luxem- ing Industries in Japan, Korea, bourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan NIPPON EXPORT AWARD (BLCCJ). On April 5th they welcomed Mr. German and France? Shuji Kobayakawa from the Bank of Japan The biggest BLCCJ to give an update on the state of the Japa- event of the year is On the 9 April, 2013 the National Gradu- nese economy and BoJ’s policy measures the bi-annual “Nip- ate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) to- aimed at strengthening the economy’s pon Export Award”, gether with the Fondation France-Japon growth potential. aimed at rewarding de l’EHESS (Ecole des Hautes Etudes en those companies that Sciences Sociales, Paris) hosted an inter- The “Delighting Customers in Japan” semi- have made significant national symposium. nar, in its 12th edition this year, will take achievements in ex- place on 19 June, with presentations on porting, importing or distributing Belgian- The event, entitled “Which Future for how to succeed in Japan by 4 distinguished Luxembourg products or services into or speakers: Mr. Bruce Goodwin, Janssen within Japan. Manufacturing Industries in Japan, Korea, Pharmaceutical K.K., Mr. Hideki Matsubara, German and France?” was supported by Miele Japan Corp., Mr. Philippe Jardin, Fau- A call for applications for this seventh edi- the German and French Embassies in To- chon K.K. and Mr. Rudie Filon, Delegation tion has been launched (deadline 30 Au- kyo as well as the Friedrich-Ebert Founda- of the European Union to Japan. gust), a jury will make a final selection in tion in recognition of the 50th Anniversa- September/October, and in November the ry Celebrations of the of the Elysée Treaty, The Belgian Beer Weekend (BBW) has winner will be announced during an award better known as the Franco-German grown to become the biggest promotion ceremony at the Belgian Embassy. Friendship Treaty. event for Belgium in Japan, so the BLCCJ set up a shop at BBW Osaka (5-9 June) in More information on this award and the order to give its Kansai members the op- BLCCJ is available on the website and social portunity to participate. From the 6 to 16 networking services. September the BLCCJ will also participate in the 11-day long BBW Tokyo. http://www.blccj.or.jp/en

UK-Japan 21st Century Group 2013 Conference

Participants included high-level executives from industry as well as representatives from academia, government and politics of the four countries under discussion.

Apart from high level representatives from the EU Delegation, the French Min- istry of Industry and the Korean Ministry of Knowledge Economy, Germany was The 30th conference of the UK-Japan 21st among them representatives from AMEC, represented by Siemens, Fuso and Roland Century Group took place at Wiston House BAE Systems, Barclays, Crown Agents, Dia- Berger. EDF, Valeo and Air Liquide pre- in West Sussex from 3-5 May 2013. geo, GSK and Rolls-Royce Japan. sented the situation of French companies while Quantum Leaps Corp., University of The UK-Japan 21st Century Group was es- The Japanese delegation included leading Tokyo, NTT Data Institute of Management tablished in 1984 as the UK-Japan 2000 members of the House of Representatives and Consulting and Dongwoo Finechem, Group with the strong encouragement of as well as senior academics and corporate covered the Japanese and Korean views. the then Prime Ministers of the UK and Ja- executives from Mitsubishi Corp, Toyota In three round table discussions, the par- pan, Margaret Thatcher and Yasuhiro Naka- Motors, and Hitachi Ltd. ticipants discussed innovation and the sone. Its principal objective was “to advance the education of the citizens of the United Conference sessions considered the lat- future of industry, effects of globalisation Kingdom and the citizens of Japan in all est political and economic developments and the future of industrial policy. aspects of each other’s political, economic, in the UK and Japan; climate change and industrial and social sciences and culture”. energy policy; geopolitics and security With more than 250 guests, the sympo- Its purpose is now to discuss any issue that challenges; the EU-Japan relationship; cor- sium attracted a high level of interest. In might affect the bilateral ties and to make porate governance; international develop- his closing remarks the French Ambassa- recommendations on how to improve them. ment and UK-Japan bilateral cooperation. dor, Monsieur Christian Masset, acknowl- The conference summary and recommen- edged the significance of Japan and Lord Michael Howard of Lympne is the UK dations will be sent to both Prime Ministers Korea as strategic partners for Germany, Co-Chairman. His Japanese counterpart is and posted on the websites of the British France and Europe. He emphasised the Yasuhisa Shiozaki, a senior member of Ja- Embassy in Tokyo and the Japanese Em- importance of a strong industrial base as pan’s House of Representatives and a former bassy in London. a platform for the long-term success of Chief Cabinet Secretary to the Prime Minister. For further information, contact national economies. UK participants at the 30th conference in- Professor Marie Conte-Helm, Executive Source: Embassy of Germany in Japan cluded parliamentarians and leading figures Director, UK-Japan 21st Century Group at: from academia, the media and business, [email protected]. FROM NETWORK EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 12

Learning from EU Hidden Champions - SMEs’ Internationalisation Strategies

The event welcomed Ota City is a place crowded with manufac- 53 guests at manage- turing companies engaged in machining ment level, CEO or and metalworking. Some 82% of them are COO, who attended small companies whose workforce is less this seminar aimed at than 10 employees. The number of factories promoting the Enter- for those companies engaged in machining prise Europe Network and metalorking account for more than 80% and raising the recog- of the total number of factories in Ota City. nition about the part- For many years, those companies have sup- nership opportunities ported the backbone of the entire Japanese in EU to the SME man- industry by making effective use of a vari- ufacturers in Ota City. ety of technologies accumulated and their intra-company networks. A combination of At first, JETRO opened their high precision in technology and their the seminar by pre- rapidness in communication has thus con- On 5 April 2013, the EU-Japan Centre for In- senting their research about the Hidden tributed to the prototyping and R&D efforts dustrial Organisation organised a seminar in Champions in EU, then EU-Japan Centre pre- among leading companies. Tokyo on “Learning from EU Hidden Cham- sented the Enterprise Europe Network, and pions - SMEs’ Internationalisation Strate- Ota City presented their supporting meas- The EU-Japan Centre will have a MOU with gies” with 2 other joint organisers, Ota City ures for the SMEs with regard to internation- Ota City to jointly promote the Enterprise Industrial Promotion Organization and the alisation to the EU market. Europe Network. Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). http://een-japan.eu/

Synergies Between EEN Support Service and the EU Japan Centre’s Programme

To provide a more exhaustive service to EU SMEs interested in ac- cessing the Japanese market, the EU-Japan Centre fostered the connection between its 4/5 week Human Resources Training Pro- gramme - Japan Industry Insight (HRTP) and its services within the Enterprise Europe Network framework.

HRTP-Japan Industry Insight is a 4/5-week training programme in Japan helping EU companies take full advantage of Japanese business opportunities and provides an in-depth approach to examine Japanese industrial structure, business practices and management through lectures, field trips and individual company visits. (http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/business-training/human-resources-training-programme.html)

Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is the largest international network of contact points providing information and support for SMEs in the HRTP Participants during one of their field visit to Ota City fields of international business cooperation, innovation, knowledge 10 partner organisations members of EEN, identified according to and technology transfer and cooperation in EU programmes. The the SMEs choice, were contacted by the EU-Japan Centre and intro- service was originally founded by the European Commission for EU duced to the SMEs. These organisations provided tailored support Member States only, but has been expanded to 54 countries with to the SMEs with regard to their needs in their internationalisation 600 support organisations (Chamber of Commerce, Research Cen- process toward the Japanese market. With this support, the SMEs tres, Regional Agencies...), with Japan being represented by the EU- were able to generate business and/or technology transfer propos- Japan Centre. (http://een.ec.europa.eu) als detailing the type of activity they would like to develop in Japan and the sought Japanese partner. This year 12 EU SMEs, from 10 EU countries, participated in the HRTP programme between May and June and were informed about the The list of participating SMEs’ proposals is available on- EEN services in order for them to benefit from additional free sup- line; any interested Japanese company can take contact with: port within their region not only before but also after their participa- [email protected] for further details. tion to the HRTP programme. http://www.een-japan.eu/ja/news- media/hrtp49-participants FROM NETWORK EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 13

EU-Japan Business Cooperation Opportunities

REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTOR IN THE EU: REQUEST FOR TRADE PARTNER IN THE EU: Sector: anti-corrosion device Sector: spring A Japanese anti-corrosion device manufacturer is looking for EU A Japanese precise spring manufacturer is seeking a trade part- distributors ner in Germany, France and Switzerland Profile ID: 20130419014 Profile ID: 20130412004 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFER TO JAPAN: REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS IN JAPAN: Sector: fuel cells Sector: cosmetics A Slovenian research institute and SME are looking for partners A French cosmetics company is looking for distributors in the fuel cells technology Profile ID: 20130403029 Profile ID: 13 SI 68CN 3SDZ TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFER TO JAPAN: REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS IN JAPAN: Sector: food Sector: plastic products An Italian company offers a technology transfer of its know-how A Romanian manufacturer of hangers made of plastic and eco- in the production of mozzarella cheese logical material is looking for distributors Profile ID: 13 IT 53U8 3S7N Profile ID: 20130520004 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFER TO JAPAN: REQUEST FOR TRADE INTERMEDIARY IN JAPAN: Sector: software technology Sector: wood working industry A Slovene SME active in the fields of Control System Integration A Spanish company specialized in wood transformation of sweet is offering its know-how to Japanese partners chestnut wood is looking for trade intermediary services Profile ID: ID 13 SI 68CN Profile ID: 20130412017 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OFFER TO JAPAN: REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS / JOINT VENTURE IN JAPAN: Sector: R&D, Life science Sector: laser beam shaping optics A Spanish research centre is building a consortium and is looking A German research institute is searching for a distributor; a joint for industrial partner ventures in field of research and development is also considered Profile ID: 13 ES 24D4 3S2Y Profile ID: 20130307024 REQUEST FOR REPRESENTATIVES IN JAPAN: REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS / JOINT VENTURE IN JAPAN: Sector: PEM fuel cells components Sector: fiber optic and photonic measuring systems A Slovene SME developing PEM fuel cells components is looking A German company is searching for a distributor; a joint ventures for representatives in field of research and development is also considered Profile ID: 20130426018 Profile ID: 20130307026 REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS IN JAPAN: REQUEST FOR TRADE INTERMEDIARY IN JAPAN: Sector: wood working industry Sector: cosmetics A Latvian producer of saw blades is looking for trade An Italian company active in the natural cosmetic sector, is look- distributors ing for trade intermediary services Profile ID: 20120312005 Profile ID: 20130402019 REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS IN JAPAN: REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS IN JAPAN: Sector: toys Sector: toilet A Cypriot construction toys manufacturer is seeking distributors A Belgian manufacturer of toilet seats is looking for distributors Profile ID: 20130411024 Profile ID: 20130227032 REQUEST FOR DISTRIBUTORS IN JAPAN: REQUEST FOR PARTNER IN JAPAN: Sector: agroindustry Sector: environmental A Slovak company operating in agroindustry is looking for inter- A Danish centre for ocean and ice is looking for a Japanese part- mediate distributors and agents ner Profile ID: 20130327024 Profile ID: 20130604062

http://een-japan.eu/opportunities

Enterprise Europe Network Events MATCHMAKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR EU AND JAPANESE SMES Milipol International Business Meetings Green Business meetings Sector: security Sectors: environment, energy, eco-technologies, sustainable Paris, France, 20-21 November 2013 development Paris, France, 4-5 December 2013 Within the frame of Milipol, the biggest international fair for internal state security, Enterprise Europe Network Paris Ile-de-France organ- EEN Paris Ile-de-France Centre organises a brokerage event “Green ises a brokerage event. Business meetings” during Pollutec Horizons’ exhibition in Paris http://en.milipol.com/ http://www.pollutec.com/GB/Green-Business-Meetings.htm http://www.enterprise-europe-network.ec.europa.eu/public/calendar/home.cfm?type=future IN BRIEF EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 14

Promoting Greek PDO/PGI & Italia in Giappone 2013 Gourmet Products in Japan The Embassy of Greece/Office of Economic & Commercial Affairs has recently organised a seminar that aimed to introduce Greek Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indica- tion (PGI) systems and gourmet products, at the Sumitomo Kaikan hall. The promotional events of “Italia in Gi- Aggelos Markou and Zafeiris Trikalinos with appone 2013” successfully continues in As many as 27 Japanese food import repre- Sumitomo Kaikan chef at the seminar Japan. At the Tokyo Metropolitan Art sentatives attended the event, as well as a Museum until June 30 visitors can see number of representatives from Japanese an interesting exhibition on Leonardo ministries, JETRO and other similar organi- CCILJ New Elected Direction Da Vinci, showing artistic pieces coming sations. The invitees had the opportunity Board 2013-2015 from Biblioteca & Pinacoteca Ambrosiana to get more familiar with the PDO/PGI sys- of Milan – including Leonardo’s Portrait tem both on the European Union level as On 18 of April the Portuguese Japanese of a Musician and 22 leaves from his Co- well as on the national one. Furthermore, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, three dex Atlanticus. they were introduced to Greek PDO/PGI years since the last elections and after six products, procedures for registering a years presided by Mr. António Morão from For those who have a chance to travel name as PDO or PGI etc. NEC Portugal, elected a new Direction outside the Japanese capital, the Mi- Board in the General Assembly.The Gen- chelangelo Buonarroti exhibition, which The Office of Economic & Commercial -Af eral Assembly was followed by a dinner opens on June 28 at the Fukui Fine Arts fairs invited two eminent Greek companies held in the same day at the Tiara Park Ho- Museum, will present for the first time to the seminar: Krocus Kozanis products tel. There were about 25 associated com- in Japan the relief sculpture Madonna of S.A. and Trikalinos Grey Mullet Bottarga panies present as well as representatives of the Stairs. The same exhibition will open S.A.; Mr. Aggelos Markou and Mr. Zafeiris the Japanese Embassy in Portugal, among at the National Museum of Western Art Trikalinos, general managers of the afore- other associative entities. in Tokyo on September 6, whereas an mentioned companies (picture), presented exhibition on Palazzo Pitti from Florence their products to the Japanese audience. The new elected board, for the triennium (starting on September 7 at Seiji Togo Krocus Kozanis (http://www.krocuskoza- 2013-2015 is presided by Dr. Nélson Faria Memorial Sompo Japan Museum of Art nis.com) is Greek red saffron and one of the de Oliveira, representing Nélson Faria in Shinjuku, Tokyo) will bring to Japan Greek PDO products. Greece is considered de Oliveira Advogados. Vice-presidents more than 70 representative pieces of to produce some of the best quality saffron are Dr. Kei Otsuka representing Yamaha Italian art of the XIX and XX centuries. in the world. It is the biggest producer in Motor Portugal, S.A. and Dr. José Vidícas Europe and the third biggest in the world. representing Portmar – Agentes de Nave- Finally, after the great success received by Krocus Kozanis is scientifically proven to gação. This new Board is currently work- the Fenice tour, Japanese opera fans will have good antioxidant properties. Besides ing to promote exports between Portugal for sure appreciate the representations of its other health benefits, Krokus Kozanis and Japan, and also committed to the Falstaff and Rigoletto (along with some protects against free radicals, boosts the goal of creating a branch office in Japan. ballet shows) by the Milan Scala Theatre. memory and contributes to overall good health. More information on More information on http://www.mfa.gr/tokyo http://www.italyinjapan.com Trikalinos Grey Mullet Bottarga (http:// www.trikalinos.gr) avgotaraho (gr.) has The Embassy of the King- been considered a delicacy since the era of JOB OFFER dom of the Netherlands in the Pharaohs and was highly appreciated by the Ancient Greeks. Since 1856, the Tri- A Japanese company located in Germany Japan on Facebook/Twitter kalinos Family has commercially produced is looking for an assistant of management. avgotaraho, which is a delicacy of cured Since April, Twitter and Facebook will be mullet roe, a Greek version of Karasumi. More information on a new way for the Embassy to engage Scientific research has shown that Trikalin- http://documents.eu-japan.eu/jobs/ with people in Japan, about such topics os Avhotaraho is a food of high nutritional job_offer_rohm_april2013.pdf as the investiture of the new King, Dutch- value, providing significant amounts of Japanese relations and the activities of protein, fatty acids and vitamins Moreover, the Embassy. The Facebook page, mostly the excellent flavour and nutritional char- in Japanese, will give special emphasis acteristics of Trikalinos Avgotaracho has on creativity and innovation, two top- managed to attract the attention of some ics that have strong potential for further of the most famous world chefs. Indeed, a deepening within Dutch-Japanese rela- top notch chef, Ferran Adria, has ranked Tri- tions. Twitter messages will be posted in kalinos Avhotaraho among the 30 best and Japanese and English. most nutritious products of the world. Source: Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Japan More information on More information on http://www.mfa.gr/tokyo http://www.facebook.com/NLinJapan https://twitter.com/nlinjapan CALENDAR EU-JAPAN NEWS JUNE 2013 I 2 VOL 11 I PAGE 15

DATE/LOCATION DETAILS CONTACTS

31 May - 6 July Delegation of the European Union to Japan EU Film Days 2013 Various locations, Japan http://www.eufilmdays.jp/

June 19, 2013 SEMINAR EIJS http://www.hhs.se/EIJS/Public%20Seminars- Tokyo, Japan EIJS Academy Seminar: Japan’s Energy - Myths vs Reality Conferences/Pages/AcademyinTokyo.aspx

20-21 June 2013 SEMINAR Chatham House http://www.chathamhouse.org/events/ London, UK UK-Japan Global Seminar: Fostering Strategic Partnerships view/190373

22 June 2013 Okinawa Day 2013 http://www.okinawaday.org.uk/ London, UK

EUROPEAN COMMISSION-FUNDED PROGRAMME EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation 1-5 July 2013 Training Mission: WCM - World Class Manufacturing http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/business-trai- Tokyo, Japan July session (Application: closed) ning/world-class-manufacturing.html

JDZB 6 September 2013 WORKSHOP http://www.jdzb.de/index.php?option=com_ Berlin, Germany German-Japanese Workshop on Security Issues IV events&task=eventDetails&cat_ id=1&cid=252&Itemid=30&lang=en

7-11 October 2013 EUROPEAN COMMISSION-FUNDED PROGRAMME EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/business-trai- Tokyo, Japan Bio Japan Cluster Mission (Application: closed) ning/bio-cluster-mission.html

EUROPEAN COMMISSION-FUNDED PROGRAMME EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation 11-15 November 2013 Tokyo, Japan Training Mission: WCM - World Class Manufacturing http://www.eu-japan.eu/global/business-trai- November session (Application: closed) ning/world-class-manufacturing.html

European Commission 25-30 November 2013 Brussels, Belgium European SME Week 2013 http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/initiatives/sme- week/index_en.htm

Any EU-Japan-related News?

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HEAD OFFICE IN JAPAN OFFICE IN THE EU Shirokane-Takanawa Station bldg 4F Rue Marie de Bourgogne 52 1-27-6 Shirokane, Minato-ku B-1000 Brussels, Belgium Tokyo 108-0072, Japan T +32 2 282 00 40 T +81 3 6408 0281 F +32 2 282 00 45 F +81 3 6408 0283 [email protected] [email protected] http://www.eu-japan.eu

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 that may be made of the information contained therein. Editor: J. Michelson