Dear Friends of the EBC,
We are delighted to share some recent highlights from the European Business Council’s activities over the past week. |
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| Strengthening Ties at the Day of German Unity Reception – 2 October
On 2 October, the EBC had the privilege of attending the reception in honour of the Day of German Unity. It was a wonderful occasion to connect with the new embassy personnel, including H.E. Ms. Petra Sigmund, Ambassador-designate of the Federal Republic of Germany to Japan. The event gathered notable members of the German business community, facilitating valuable discussions on the present and future of German-Japanese economic relations. We were thrilled to deepen our engagement with the German Embassy team, reaffirming the strong collaborative spirit between the EBC and our German friends. |
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| Promoting EU-Japan Collaboration in Research & Innovation – 7 October
On 7 October, the EBC attended a productive meeting with Ms. Maria Cristina Russo, Director at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, during her visit to Japan. The discussion centered on research, innovation, and the pivotal role of advanced materials in tackling global challenges, such as climate change, energy efficiency, and resource sustainability. Director Russo outlined the European Commission’s key initiatives, including the Horizon Europe framework, aimed at accelerating research and innovation across the EU. This dialogue underscored the Commission’s strong commitment to fostering innovation in materials science as a driver for future economic growth. |
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| Preparations for the Annual Railway Workshop – 8 October
On 8 October, the EBC Railway Committee met with Tokyo Metro and JR East to initiate planning for our annual workshop, scheduled for early next year. This year, Tokyo Metro will take on hosting responsibilities. Representatives from JR West, JR Tokai, and JRTT will also be joining. During the meeting, we discussed potential agenda topics to ensure that the 9th iteration of the workshop will build on nearly 15 years of collaboration between the EBC and Japan’s major railway operators, which has seen progress such as the publication of planned procurements and the recent announcement by JR East and JR West of possible joint standardisation. The workshop continues to serve as an important platform for strengthening our partnerships and addressing key issues in the railway sector. |
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| Exploring Business Opportunities with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry – 8 October
Earlier in the day, the EBC was invited by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) together with the G7 Chambers to discuss strengthening business cooperation between the G7 countries and the Osaka region in the run-up to Expo 2025. The meeting was attended by prominent Japanese business leaders who are also members of the OCCI, as well as key officials from Osaka Prefecture. Together, we shared insights on various strategic issues, including the Expo project, inbound tourism, green technologies, the life sciences industry and foreign direct investment (FDI). The day concluded with a reception, providing an excellent opportunity to network with new and established G7 countries companies based in the Kansai region. |
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| On 17 October, (4:00pm), the second EBC Digital Automotive Summit, in cooperation with the German Chamber of Commerce in Japan, the Delegation of the European Union to Japan and the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation, will unite industry, policy, and advocacy leaders from the Japanese and European Automotive Industry for a critical conversation on the future of the sector. With keynotes from expert speakers, we’ll explore how digitalisation and rapidly changing markets are shaping the industry’s trajectory. Through the Japan-Europe lens, we’ll dive into disruptive innovations like Generative AI and discuss the role of AI, data policies, and cybersecurity in the EU-Japan Digital Partnership – a collaboration fostering innovation and our digital future. |
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| On 23 and 24 October, at PACIFICO Yokohama North, the City of Yokohama will hold the 13th Asia Smart City Conference (ASCC), a global conference that gathers ideas and solutions for decarbonizing Asian cities. |
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| We look forward to connecting with you soon!
Valerie Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer
For more updates and information, please visit our website |
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- Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will aim to establish common rules to promote decarbonization in Asia, according to a draft joint statement of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) summit to be chaired by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. (The Japan News)
- The growing popularity in Japan of “spot work” staffing arrangements, which enable people to work short hours such as during their free time and be paid the same day, has led to an increase in schemes defrauding operators of related platforms. (The Japan News)
- Japan will expand its quasi-zenith satellite network, which serves as the country’s own global positioning system, from the current four satellites to 11, with the aim of providing a more reliable service in areas where signals are blocked by buildings or trees, according to a government plan. (Japan Today)
- Japan plans to continue safely restarting nuclear power plants and will use as much renewable energy as possible, Industry Minister Yoji Muto said on Wednesday, indicating no major shift in policy under newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. (Japan Today)
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Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings |
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| Date |
Committee |
Time / Location |
| Oct 11 (Fri) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| Oct 17 (Thu) |
Insurance |
Hybrid
0730~ |
| Oct 17 (Thu) |
Human Resources |
Hybrid
0930~ |
| Oct 17 (Thu) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
| Oct 22 (Tue) |
Food & Agriculture |
Hybrid
1700~ |
| Nov 8 (Fri) |
Railways |
Hybrid
1600~ |
| Nov 14 (Thu) |
Medical Equipment & Diagnostics |
Off-site
1430~ |
| Nov 21 (Thu) |
Human Resources |
Hybrid
0930~ |
If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place. |
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