EBC Newsletter – November 13, 2024

On 7 November, the EBC Logistics and Freight Committee welcomed Jens Eskelund, Chief Representative of Maersk China and President of the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, sister organization of the EBC . Jens gave a comprehensive presentation on trade flows to and from China and discussed their current and future impact on the logistics sector.
Container freight volumes continue to grow in most markets, with Africa being the exception. This growth is being driven primarily by sectors such as chemicals, retail and technology. Despite recent developments in the US, it remains one of the strongest markets for containerised freight. Jens also touched on lower domestic demand in China, noting that this, combined with the country’s high production capacity, is creating a surplus that is being exported. This dynamic is putting pressure on producers in other markets and could potentially lead to trade conflicts. While China is considering stimulus packages to boost domestic demand, the effectiveness may be limited due to already low interest rates. He concluded by predicting that trade policy and economic security policy will become increasingly integrated in the future.
The EBC would like to thank Jens Eskelund for his insightful presentation and for engaging with participants in a Q&A session.

On 6 November, the EBC launched its Government Affairs Committee with a kick-off meeting. This new committee unites professionals from across the government affairs sector, including experts from government relations firms and teams within companies dedicated to navigating public policy.
Its Mission: To create a powerful platform for tackling government affairs-specific challenges and broader public policy topics that impact businesses in Japan. The committee also provides guidance and support, helping members leverage government relations effectively—both locally and internationally—to drive their goals and contribute to a better business environment.
Interested in Joining? If you or your company would like to get involved, reach out to the EBC! The next committee meeting is set for 5 December at 12:30 PM.

Between 2019 and 2020, the share of Japanese public procurement contracts awarded to foreign companies increased from 34% to 43%. To improve the functioning of the EU-Japan EPA in the area of public procurement, the European Commission is launching a survey to collect feedback and information from European companies interested in winning public contracts in Japan.
By participating in this survey, you can provide valuable insights that will enable EU services to support your success in Japan.

Valerie  Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer

For more updates and information, please visit our website

• The Japanese government will start providing support for private companies to ramp up the development of geothermal power plants, tapping into the country’s geothermal resources, the third largest in the world, sources close to the matter said Friday. The government will aim to commercialize geothermal power plants until 2030 by setting up a public-private sector committee to pinpoint issues, such as how to utilize next-generation geothermal technology and shorten the timeframe in developing the plants, the sources said. (Kyodo News+)
• The Japan Patent Office is considering legal revisions to prevent intellectual property infringement stemming from the growth of digital technologies, including generative artificial intelligence and virtual spaces. The proliferation of AI-generated designs could interfere with the development of new products. According to the JPO, the current Patent Law and Design Law do not have any regulations to cope with the proliferation of materials produced or designed by AI. The revisions — which are expected next fiscal year or later —- would not allow businesses or individuals who do not plan to develop products to obtain patent or design rights if they misuse generative AI. (The Japan News)
• During the regular Diet session in 2024, the Japanese government amended the Basic Law on Food, Agriculture and Rural Areas for the first time. The Basic Law was promulgated in 1999 and is the so-called ‘constitution of agricultural policy’ in Japan. In light of increasing international political instability, the amendment made food security in Japan its core focus. Disruptions such as the Russia–Ukraine war have had a major impact on global food security, creating uncertainties about grain supplies and limiting access to critical resources and driving up agricultural input prices. Japan—heavily dependent on food and farming imports—is not immune to the crisis. (News on Japan)

If you are interested in joining a committee meeting, please contact the EBC to confirm the time and meeting place.