Events

In our calendar, you can find all the events organised or sponsored by the EU-Japan Centre, as well as other events related to EU-Japan relations.

10/06/2011 - Namur, Belgium

Oser le Japon? Le pari reste gagnant (Seminar)

Séminaire dédié aux relations commerciales avec le Japon dans l’ère ‘post tsunami’

On 10 June 2011, the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, AWEX and UCM coorganised a seminar entitled “Oser le Japon? Le pari reste gagnant” on EU-Japan trade relations in the post-tsunami era.

The first half of the event consisted mainly of a series of presentations on services available to companies to help them in their relations with Japan. The second half heard case studies by companies that had received support for their Japanese activities.

Following opening remarks by Céline GODART (EU-Japan Centre) who chaired the event, Frédéric LAHAUT (UCM) presented the services offered by UCM’s International Unit. Thomas RONSE (AWEX) considered how Japanese people had responded to the triple disaster and explained that the Japanese emphasis on 我慢 (gaman – patience, endurance and self-control) and 頑張る (gambaru – working hard and staying focussed) explained their attitude. Although considerable progress has been made to restoring normality, Japan still needs to address its nuclear problem and reconstruction. Catherine COLLET (AWEX) announced various missions / trade fairs that AWEX will support in the coming year.

In addition to providing basic information about Japan and an analysis of the effects of the triple disaster, Yuka MORITA (AWEX Tokyo) advised on ‘do’s and don’ts’ that should be considered when doing business with Japan. Dominique TOURNEUR outlined the financial and other assistance that AWEX can give to companies to help them develop their projects with Japan. Simon CRAIG GRAY (EU-Japan Centre) gave a brief overview of the EU-Japan Centre’s activities. Céline GODART then described the Centre’s managerial programmes in detail and Margherita ROSADA presented the Centre’s ‘Vulcanus in Europe’ student placement programme.

Roger ASSAKER (e-Xstream engineering) presented the first case study – his company offers computer modelling for use during the engineering of new materials. Although it does not yet feel ready to open an office in Japan, it has two distributers and a number of key clients there. Japan is a significant market.

Monique LEMPEREUR (Nanocyl S.A.) gave the second case study – within a year of its creation, Nanocyl began its first partnership with Japan. It is now the leading producer of carbon nanotubes. Asia is its biggest market. Japanese demands for high quality and the Japanese preference for dealing with Japanese suppliers can make it a challenging but, rewarding, market.
Presentation

Hans PAUWELS (Debailleul Products S.A.) explained his company’s strategy for Japan. It has been active there for a decade – with fixed and ‘pop-up’ (temporary) stores. Concepts he considered important when dealing with/understanding Japan include: segmentation, creating hype, competitive markets, high business costs, unique decision-making methods, abstraction and perseverance.
Presentation

In his closing remarks, Daiuske SATO (Embassy of Japan to Belgium) passed on Japan’s gratitude to the support, encouragement and solidarity it received from Europe following the events of 11 March. Japan must cooperate with other countries if it is to regain its dynamism. The Seminar (attended by c. 20 people) ended with a networking lunch and individual meetings between participants and representatives of AWEX.

Presentation "Japan’s Nuclear Accident - Update"

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