TOPICS

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government held business and investment seminars in London and Düsseldorf in February 2008 with the cooperation of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and local public agencies.

Kenji Saegusa, senior director of the Commerce and Industry Division of Tokyo’s Bureau of Industrial and Labor Affairs, spoke on the topic Business Opportunities in Tokyo. He discussed the factors that give the metropolis its competitive edge, including its position as a forward-thinking business hub, the concentration of manufacturers and the condition of the transportation infrastructure.

Seminar participants showed particular interest in the experiences of guest speakers, who work for local enterprises that have moved into the Japan market. A brief report on these presentations follows.

London Seminar
Monday, February 4
Location: Savoy Place, Institution of Engineering and Technology
Speaker: Mr. Patrick Heininger, Group Chief Executive, Burgopak Limited

Burgopak Limited designs eye-catching packaging products. Incorporated last year, Burgopak Japan has enjoyed smooth business growth and received the Good Design Award for one of its products. Mr. Heininger reviewed the company’s specific experiences establishing in Tokyo, from initial market surveys and hiring Japanese staff to post-establishment business development strategies. The presentation provided participants with some very practical tips for setting up in Tokyo.

We will report on the Düsseldorf seminar in the next installment.