Exploring the Japanese market: Understanding its investment environment and uncovering business opportunities

The Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce has organised on 14 March 2024 a country seminar dedicated to exploring business opportunities in Japan, the event is organised in close collaboration with the Embassy of Japan to Luxembourg and JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) Brussels, this event gathered an audience of about 60 participants from Luxembourgish and Japanese business communities.

After welcoming words from Cindy Tereba, Director of International Affairs at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, and His Excellency Mr. Tadahiro Matsubara, Ambassador of Japan to Luxembourg, the discussion focused on the practical aspects of doing business in the country.

Indeed, Mr. Yoshinori YAMADA from JETRO shared invaluable insights into the current economic landscape of Japan, highlighting emerging trends and opportunities for international collaboration.

Then, we had the opportunity to hear from entrepreneurs such as James Kim from Data Design Engineering, Luca Celiento from Maana Electric, Jonathan Paulussen from SolarCleano, and Senior Engineer Alireza Haqiqatnejad from OQ TECHNOLOGY. These individuals shared their firsthand experiences of doing business in Japan following the mission to Tsukuba city in January 2024, organized and sponsored by JETRO. Their testimonials shed light on the challenges and successes encountered in this market.

In front of an audience of sixty participants, the speakers described the advantages and challenges of doing business in Japan. They showed strong optimism for future commercial collaboration.

Attendees had the opportunity to explore stands highlighting Japanese technologies, arts, tourism, and culture. From FANUC Europe, Heylo-Tubes Europe, Tsume Art Global Link Sense of Japan Takajo to Sakura Voyage, the diversity of offerings highlighted the rich tapestry of Japan's cultural heritage and innovation. The event concluded with a delightful sushi and sake tasting session.

This event served as a catalyst for strengthening ties between Luxembourg and Japan, paving the way for future collaborations and mutual growth in preparation for the upcoming trade mission to Japan from June 10th to 14th, 2024, and the Universal Expo in Osaka in 2025.

Japan in figures: As the world's fourth largest economy by nominal GDP, Japan has an advanced and export-oriented economy. The country is a major player in global trade, with a focus on advanced technology and manufacturing. Key sectors include automobile, electronics, machinery, and precision instruments. Japan's economy is heavily reliant on exports, and it ranked one in the Economic Complexity Index, and four in total exports in 2021. Luxembourg and Japan are historic partners in business and have strong link and complementarities in trade and investment.

 

Please find the program and presentations below.

From left to right : Ms. Kae Kobayashi, Economic Attachée, Embassy of Japan; H.E. Mr. Tadahiro Matsubara, Ambassador of Japan to Luxembourg; Cindy Tereba, Director International Affairs, Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Yoshinori YAMADA, Director JETRO Brussels