The Commission invites in particular the representatives of the following sectors to apply: meat (beef, pig meat and poultry), processed agricultural products, dairy (with a focus on cheeses), wine, beer and spirits, olive oil, fruit and vegetables.

The programme of the business mission to Japan will be geared especially for companies from all EU Member States that have not participated in similar EU projects before and that may be new to the Japanese market. The Commission will give priority especially to small and medium enterprises with credible export potential.

The programme of activities for the business delegates will include informative seminars on the characteristics of the local market and consumer trends, retail and site visits as well as networking opportunities. The programme will take place in Tokyo and possibly Osaka, depending on the availability of relevant business contacts. The costs of flights and hotels have to be covered by the participants but all business events from the official programme, including local transport, will be offered free of charge.

Interested applicants are welcome to register now, deadline to apply is 31 January 2023.

Japan is the EU’s 5^th largest export destination for agri-food products, experiencing fast annual growth rate for EU exports. A dynamic, high-income country of 126 million people, it represents solid opportunities for a number of agri-food sectors, including organic products and products with geographical indications (GIs). The EU’s Economic Partnership Agreement in Japan has been in force since 2019. Over time, around 85% of EU agri-food products (in tariff lines) will be allowed to enter Japan entirely duty-free.

The European Union has been involved in promoting EU agricultural food and beverage products in Japan by co-financing nearly 30 ongoing promotion campaigns proposed by organisations from different Member States and targeting the country, as well as the EU’s own initiative promotion campaign “Perfect Match”, annual presence at the Foodex Tokyo fair and previous business delegation visits.