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IoD Japan Business Group Highlights Strategic UK-Japan Partnerships for Growth

Our Japan Business Group recently hosted an influential seminar to foster collaboration between UK and Japanese businesses, showcasing the opportunities for early-stage and medium-sized UK enterprises to expand in Japan.

The event was chaired by Fellow and Chair of the Japan Business Group, Dr Indranil Nath, who opened the seminar with an opening address alongside Vice Chair Rie Hamaguchi. The seminar underscored the potential of strategic Japanese partnerships to drive business growth and innovation for UK companies, especially in the city of Osaka. Co-hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and supported by Japan House London, the Osaka Prefectural Government and the Osaka City Government, the event attracted diverse and distinguished leaders.

Welcoming remarks from Sam Thorne, Director General of Japan House London, were followed by appearances from notable guests including Hideyuki Yokoyama, Mayor of Osaka City; Kyoichiro Kawakami, Economic Minister at the Japanese Embassy in the UK; Councillor Robert Rigby, Lord Mayor of Westminster, and Lord Viscount Trenchard, Co-Chair of the British Japanese All Party Parliamentary Group.

The day featured panel discussions addressing vital strategies for UK companies entering Japan, from selecting optimal Japanese business partners to securing high-impact growth opportunities and managing associated risks. Panellists, including seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders, shared practical lessons, illuminating the rewards and challenges of establishing and growing a presence in Japan’s sophisticated market.

The seminar serves as a foundation for IoD Japan Business Group’s upcoming delegation to Osaka Expo 2025, in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, the British Embassy in Tokyo, the Department for Business and Trade, GovUK, and the Osaka Expo Secretariat. Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai aims to showcase innovations that address global challenges, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Japan’s “Society 5.0” vision for a technology-integrated society. The Expo will foster economic growth, regional innovation, and cultural exchange, potentially generating significant economic impacts and promoting global solutions in fields like life sciences, AI, and robotics.

More about the delegation visit can be found here.

In his keynote address, Yura Hideo, Director General of JETRO, provided compelling insights, and the event concluded with an eloquent closing speech by Lord Trenchard, setting an inspiring tone for cross-border collaboration.

Dr Indranil Nath, Fellow and Chair of the IoD Japan Business Group, said:

” This event represents a pivotal moment for UK companies aiming to establish a presence in Japan’s advanced market. With the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) already in place and the CPTPP set to enter into force on 15th December 2024, we are on the threshold of an exciting new era in trade. These agreements offer significant advantages to UK businesses by improving market access and streamlining regulatory processes, creating a robust platform for long-term partnerships in Japan. The valuable insights shared today and the support from organisations like JETRO and Japan House provide a strong foundation for UK companies to cultivate impactful and enduring collaborations in Japan.”

“The theme of 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives' aims to challenge the international community to find ways to strengthen cooperation in addressing pressing global issues. It is fitting that today's symposium is focused on early-stage and medium enterprises, given the crucial role that startup companies play in developing cutting-edge technologies to address common challenges.”
Kyoichiro Kawakami
Minister (Economic), Embassy of Japan in the UK

Rie Hamaguchi, Special Advisor to the Osaka Prefectural Governor, said: “Osaka offers travellers a unique cultural experience, with opportunities to enjoy traditional performances, festivals, and renowned cuisine. The city’s warmth, culinary reputation, and vibrant life make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable taste of Japan.”

Among the contributors offering insights  to a comprehensive exploration of collaborative growth strategies for UK businesses in Japan were Johnny J Pawlik, CEO of Mantra Media Ltd and Shibuya Startup Support Ambassador; Richard Crosfield, Investment Director at Presidio Venture Europe; Jason Chester, Trademark Director at HGF Limited; Sarah Parsons, Managing Director of East West Interface; Akihiro Kudo, Partner at TMI; Jason Frank, Managing Director of Re: Data Science Ltd; Tsubasa Hotta, VP and GM for EMEA & APAC at Tractable.ai; and Masahide Sakishige, Deputy Director General of Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO).

IoD Japan Business Group remains committed to facilitating stronger UK-Japan ties and supporting UK businesses in their journey to success within the Japanese market. This seminar marks a promising beginning, and the IoD looks forward to advancing these partnerships and achieving sustained growth in collaboration with Japanese counterparts.

For further information, please visit: IoD Japan Business Group

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