Foreign Direct Investment

Date: 30 November 2012
Location: Tokyo, Japan

Overview:
A current debate in the economic world is on the finding the right balance between fiscal consolidation and maintaining economic growth. This seminar covered the EU response to the European sovereign debt crisis and the challenge of attaining sustainable growth. Japan was discussed in the context of the necessity of finding a growth path amid the increasing need for fiscal consolidation.

Date: 26 November 2012
Location: Brussels, Belgium

Overview:
A session organised by the EU-Japan Centre on the impact on world trade of bilateral and regional free trade agreements. Event organised as part of the 15th Japan-EU Conference entitled, “Japan-EU Cooperation in a Changing World: Approaches to Rules and Standards”.

Date: 25 October 2012
Location: Brussels, Belgium

Overview:
On the very day on which the European Parliament voted in favour of the opening of trade negotiations with Japan, and one month before the Council is scheduled to decide whether or not to grant the European Commission a negotiating mandate, the EU Studies Institute in Tokyo (EUSI) and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation organised a seminar. This event, hosted by the European Economic & Social Committee (EESC), traced the history of EU-Japan trade relations and looked forward to what form future trade relations might take.

Following opening remarks by Prof. Takamoto SUGISAKI (Tsuda College), Jonathan PEEL welcomed participants on behalf of the EESC and then Prof. Toshiro TANAKA (Keio University & EUSI) gave the keynote address entitled, “EU-Japan Relations: From ‘Trade Conflicts’ to ‘Strategic Partners’”. Antonio PARENTI (European Commission, DG TRADE) and H.E. Kojiro SHIOJIRI (Mission of Japan to the EU) summarised the views and strategies of their respective Authorities and answered questions from the audience. In the final session, Carsten DANNÖHL presented the view of BUSINESSEUROPE and Koshi NOGUCHI presented the view of Toshiba (with particular emphasis on how an EPA/FTA might affect its healthcare division).

Date: Wednesday, 5 September 2012, 14:30 - 15:30
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Organiser: The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and the German Marshall Fund of the United States

Overview:
With multi-lateral trade negotiations having been at an impasse for many years, there has been a proliferation of bilateral and regional free trade agreements as individual countries and trading blocs have sought new partnerships. In July, the European Commission announced it was seeking a formal mandate to open formal negotiations with Japan, with a view to concluding a deep and comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA)/Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and a parallel binding agreement to cover other forms of cooperation. Against the backdrop of this development, and Japan’s possible participation in the multilateral Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, Dr Itoh discussed Japan’s broader strategy of pursuing EPAs with its Asia-Pacific neighbours and with the transatlantic partners.

Date: Friday, 20 January 2012, 10:00 - 12:30
Location: Imperial Hotel, Main Building, 2F, Room “Kujaku Nishi”
Organiser: The Delegation of the European Union to Japan, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation
Participation: Free (capacity 300 seats, pre-registration required, on a first come first served basis)
Language: English / Japanese / partially French (simultaneous interpretation)

Overview:
More than two years after the Lehman shock, the initial subprime crisis has developed into a widespread crisis of confidence. Japan and the European Union are key players in defining the global regulations that are necessary to restore confidence in financial markets. Both have expeditiously implemented the decisions taken in the G20 framework. Demonstrating its determination, the European Union has overhauled its governance. Unprecedented measures have been decided to strengthen both the framework for budgetary discipline and economic policy coordination in the euro area. Moreover, the European Union has adopted a transparent calendar for the adoption and implementation of stronger supervision, better regulation and stronger financial institutions.

In this conference, Mr. Michel Barnier, EU Commissioner for Internal Market & Services, and Mr. Shozaburo Jimi, State Minister in charge of Financial Issues, highlighted the latest developments concerning the financial sector and measures being taken in the EU and Japan. Keynote speeches were followed by a panel discussion by speakers from the European Commission (DG Internal Market), Financial Service Agency of Japan and representatives from European and Japanese financial industry to elaborate on the issues of governance to restore confidence in financial markets.

Date: Tuesday, 18 October 2011, 14:00 – 16:00
Location: The Delegation of the European Union to Japan (Europa House)

Overview:
The Fukushima accident, with the subsequent contamination of the environment and its consequences, has quickly raised many concerns in Japan and abroad, in particular about food and industrial products.

Since March 2011, some countries have totally banned imports from Japan or have put them under strict restrictions and control (by requesting for example radioactive contamination-free certificates), measures that have deeply affected farmers and industry.

On the industry’s side, worries have appeared about the impact on their business continuity, about the safety of employees and their working environment, as well as worries about customer and consumer confidence in Japan and on the global market.

Date: 22 September 2011
Location: the “Arc” room at the “Square”, 3 Coudenberg, Brussels.

Overview:
Twenty years on from having formalised their political and economic ties at the first EC-Japan Summit in 1991, Japan and the EU are facing new challenges such as the rise of emerging economies, global warming and energy issues. Rather than simply developing their current trade and investment ties, both sides seek a strategic partnership.

The Japan-EU Economic Integration Agreement has potential value, and will be able to promote not only high level trade liberalisation but also strengthen a broad range of partnerships (in investment, NTMs, IPR, raw materials, the green economy, business environment, the cooperation of high-tech industry). European firms could benefit from expanded business opportunities in the Japanese market and facilitate business partnership with Japanese firms. The EIA will enhance market access between EU and Japan as well as towards emerging markets. It will provide the legal foundation for the economic and strategic partnership.

At a critical moment in the EU-Japan relationship, after the establishment of Japan’s new government, key senior government officials and industry representatives came together for a public discussion. In the first session, senior government officials outlined the future Japan-EU economic partnership and explained how the Agreements would strengthen the current partnership, and industry leaders stated their priorities for deepening industrial cooperation between the EU and Japan. In the second session, the JETRO explained how Japanese market is open and their support for EU companies’ business in Japan, and EU companies shared their best practices for the Japanese market.

Date: Wednesday, 29 June 2011, 16:00 - 18:00
Location: EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Tokyo Office

Overview:
The European Business Council in Japan (EBC) and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation are offering a seminar on global and Japanese information security concerns.

The Fukushima nuclear accident is not over. Even after the emergency is put under control, the long-term impact on industry and public will require an appropriate response. How to ensure public safety in the affected regions? How to ensure safety of the supply chain? How to convince business partners and consumers overseas that products from Japan are as safe as alternatives from other regions? These issues cannot be solved momentarily, by measuring radiation dose rates at production facilities and at the shipment yards. From European and particularly German industry's perspective, export of all potentially hazardous supplies from Japan should only be permitted if they have been found to be contamination-free in a dependable and legally binding manner. How can the government and business in Japan respond to such demands? What would be the roadmap for the development of the long-term radiation protection mechanism? How generally the safety of nuclear power can be ensured?

Date: 10 June 2011
Location: UCM, chaussée de Marche 637, 5100 Wierde (Namur)

Overview:
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.

Date: 21 December 2010, 15:00 – 16:30
Location:EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Tokyo Office

Overview:
Historically, Russia has developed its networks of oil and natural gas pipelines westbound and towards Europe. Recently, however, Russian “eastbound” oil pipelines (towards the Pacific) came into operation and so is the construction of Russian natural gas pipelines towards the Pacific underway. Today, Russia aims at expanding and strengthening its infrastructure for transporting energy resources across the Eurasian continent from the east to the west. Furthermore, in November 2009, the Russian government adopted its long-term energy strategy for the period up to 2030, setting forth its action plans in order to develop its energy industry further.

In this seminar, Ms. Kristiina Ojuland, a Member of the European Parliament, presented her views on the relations with Russia with regard to energy strategy. The seminar was also be joined by Mr. Masumi Motomura from Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) to outline the recent developments on the Russian energy industry and initiatives in Japan.

Date: 16 December 2010, 15:30 - 17:00 & Networking drink after the seminar
Location:EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Tokyo Office
Co-organised by: EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

Overview:
The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is organising an investment seminar with presentations about two dynamic French regions, Languedoc-Roussillon and Champagne-Ardenne.

Bio-industry, biomass and bio-food sectors are major industries in these two regions. Their strategic geographical location, optimum infrastructures, highly qualified workforce and very modern technology-based industries are strong assets for attracting foreign investors and partners.

Date: 05 November 2010, 10:30 - 12:30 & Networking Buffet 12:30 – 13:30
Location:EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Tokyo Office
Co-organised by: The Lithuanian Embassy in Tokyo, in cooperation with the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and Enterprise Lithuania

Overview:
The Lithuanian Embassy in Tokyo, in cooperation with the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation and Enterprise Lithuania, kindly invites you to the business seminar “Lithuania – A Major Investment and Cooperation Opportunity”, on the occasion of the visit to Japan of a business delegation consisting of leading Lithuanian laser technology companies and laser medicine institutions.

The delegation is headed by Mr. Audronius Azubalis, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Lithuania accompanied by Mr. Mindaugas Petrauskas, Vice-Minister of Economy of the Republic of Lithuania. The business seminar, organised at the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation on 5 November, is a perfect opportunity for Japanese and Lithuanian business operators to meet and discuss cooperation opportunities in the fields of trade, investment and R&D.

Date: 01 October 2010
Location:Tokyo Kaikan, 12th floor, Royal Room (3-2-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo）
Co-organised by: EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Japan
With support of: Delegation of the European Union to Japan, Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (tbc), EU-Japan Business Round Table, European Business Council in Japan, Nippon Keidanren (tbc), German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan

Overview:
The European Union and Japan produce together 40% of the world GDP. They are however facing similar problems in the economic, industrial, demographic and social areas: financial and economic crisis, hollowing-out of manufacturing facilities, ageing population, increasing competition from emerging economies, etc. In this context, the two regions are increasingly considering to cooperate to better address these challenges and improve their growth, competitiveness and sustainability in the global economy.

Date: 16 June 2010
Location:Tokyo, Japan
Organised by: European Business Council in Japan
With support by: : EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation

Overview:

Lately there has been a lot of talk within the foreign community of the latest changes, guidelines and legislation surrounding the more practical aspects of the new Japanese immigration policy. • Will foreign residents have to go to the immigration office in Shinagawa to report address changes or change in employer? • What will happen to the re-entry permits? • Can I be deported if I am not carrying my Alien Registration Card? • What is the resident card? • Will I, as a foreign resident, be able to get a “jyuminhyou” too? The EBC HR Committee has invited a speaker from the Ministry of Justice Immigration Bureau to enlighten us of the latest developments of the new immigration system and what it will mean for foreigners living long term in Japan. Come and learn the answers to the above questions, the reason behind the changes in the current Japanese system, and gain the opportunity to ask you own questions about the new system that could affect you or your employees in the near future.

Report: Your New Alien Registration Card : Changes Under the New Japanese Immigration System?

Date: 10 June 2010
Location:Tokyo, Japan
Organised by: EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation Tokyo, Japan
Co-organised by: : Maison Franco-Japonais

Overview:

The global market and the changing trends of contemporary international finance significantly affect multinational business finance. Business financing is one of the most necessary tools for multinational companies to obtain capital for the further expansion of their business. Large banks and finance companies generally provide business finance to multinational companies: apart from funds originating from shareholders and lenders, multinational companies may borrow funds from large banks. However, obtaining capital became even harder since the 2008 global financial crisis evolved into a funding crisis. Facing difficulties obtaining capital, some companies have tried out new legal arrangements to finance their export operations without asking for help from large banks. Set up by international legal experts, these new arrangements make use of classic instruments (such as joint venture companies, compensation, holdings acquisition, guaranty funds, etc.) to create networks between large companies allowing them to evade constraints imposed by the banks. In this seminar Professor Gilles LHUILIER will illustrate the topic with two specific examples: 1. a contract concluded between China and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the financial aspects of what has been called “the contract of the century” (with an infrastructure financing for 9 billion USD). 2. a special system of “cooperative bank companies” that 15 French companies have set up in order to create not only some intra-group funding, but also a clearing house as well as a corporate cooperative bank. These two examples seem to belong to different worlds, but it is possible to find many similarities between them. In fact, networks or cooperation between companies (between companies and banks, between companies belonging to the same group, or between competitors) help to cope with the deficiencies of bank-related financing systems. For example, the creation of new and flexible legal arrangements helps to secure the “due diligence process” and enables loans to be obtained more easily. Such new legal instruments consist in particular of sui generis contracts drawn up by international lawyers, who themselves contribute progressively to the development of new ways of doing business. To extend the discussion on the topic of “global business and finance in times of financial crisis”, the seminar is also joined by two legal practitioners to discuss the issues of “capital market products” and “export credits”.

Report: Multinational business finance in times of global financial crisis: Looking at alternative strategies

Date: 1 February 2010
Location:Tokyo, Japan
Organised by: EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation Tokyo, Japan
Co-organised by: The Delegation of the European Union to Japan

Overview:

In this seminar, Ms Helena König, the Head of Unit for the Trade Relations with the Far East of the Directorate-General for Trade of the European Commission, presented overview of the EU’s issues of strategic importance in its trade relations with China.
The seminar was also joined by Mr Hideto Akiba, the Director of the Northeast Asia Division of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, to outline the prospects of the Japan-China trade relations.

Details and report

Place: EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Tokyo, Japan
Date: 3 June 2009, 15:00 – 17:00
Language: Japanese only

Report: Creating products and platforms through better cultural understanding on Europe and its market

Pictures of the event. Click on a thumbnail to zoom in.

Presentation by Mr. Hiroyuki Anzai Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2009

Presentation by Mr. Yasusada Yawata Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2009

Audience Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2009

Place: EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Tokyo
Date: 14 October 2008, 16:30 – 18:30 + Reception
Co-organised by: the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, Champagne-Ardenne Development, Investment Promotion Agency for Western France, Invest Languedoc-Roussillon

Supported by: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

More information: The EU-Japan Centre held an investment seminar for the French regions of Champagne-Ardenne, Ouest Atlantique and Languedoc-Roussillon, presenting to a Japanese business audience the economic and investment opportunities in these diverse regions in France. The event was organised as part of the EU-Japan Centre’s activity to promote the growth of Japanese FDI into the EU market.

Report: Investment Seminar for the French Regions of Champagne-Ardenne, Ouest Atlantique and Languedoc-Roussillon Report

Pictures of the event. Click on a thumbnail to zoom in.

Mr. Jean-Paul TORRE, Managing Director, CADev (Champagne-Ardenne Development) Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2008

Mr. Bernart ROYCOURT, Managing Director, Invest Languedoc-Roussillon Mr. Bruno LESCHER, Director for Foreign Affairs, Invest Promotion Agency for Western France Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2008

Audience Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2008

Seminar organised within the framework of the FDI-Japan investment project.

Date: 23 April 2008
Co-organised by: the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, the Embassy of the Republic of Hungary and the Hungarian Investment & Trade Development Agency (ITDH)

Purpose: the seminar aimed to give Japanese companies opportunities to explore and consider investment prospects in Hungary.

Report: Hungary Business Seminar Report

Pictures of the event. Click on a thumbnail to zoom in.

Mr. Csaba KILIAN, ITDH, Q&A Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2008

Mr. Osamu SUZUKI, Q&A Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2008

Audience Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2008

Date: Monday 21 April 2008
Venue: Palace Hotel, Tokyo, Japan

Organisers: the Delegation of the European Commission to Japan and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, with the support of METI and JETRO.

More information: EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson called the issue of investment "unfinished globalisation" for EU and Japan. In a speech in Tokyo, Mandelson said that barriers to investment had kept productive EU investment out of the Japanese economy, despite the fact that Europe had been welcoming such investment for decades.

Report by the EU-Japan Centre

Read the speech (English version) or visit the Delegation of the European Commission to Japan website for Japanese version and other details.

Pictures of the event. Click on a thumbnail to zoom in.

Seminar with EU Commissioner Peter Mandelson and METI Vice-Minister Masakazu Toyoda Photo © The Delegation of the European Commission to Japan, 2008	Seminar with EU Commissioner Peter Mandelson and METI Vice-Minister Masakazu Toyoda Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2008	Speech by EU Commissioner Peter Mandelson Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2008
Speech by METI Vice-Minister Toyoda Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2008	Audience Photo © EU-Japan Centre, 2008	Mr. Julien Guerrier, General Manager, EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation Photo © The Delegation of the European Commission to Japan, 2008
Q&A session Photo © The Delegation of the European Commission to Japan, 2008

• Mr Masakazu Toyoda, Japanese Vice-Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, made a speech in reaction to the Commissioner's presentation. Read the speech of Mr. Toyoda: Japanese version / English version
• "Mandelson raps Tokyo on trade barriers", article of the Financial Times. Read further on the Financial Times.