EBC ニュースレター　2025年4月9日

In this week’s update, we share some of our latest activities and meetings. From engaging with European embassies to fostering collaborations with influential organizations, we continue our efforts to strengthen the ties between Europe and Japan.

On 2 April, the EBC had the pleasure of meeting with H.E. Aurelijus Zykas, Ambassador of Lithuania to Japan, Aleksandras Laurinavicius, Commercial Attaché, and Kristina Mineikienė, Agricultural Attaché, to discuss ways to support Lithuanian businesses in Japan. Lithuania-Japan economic ties continue to grow, with increasing collaboration in high-tech, life sciences, fintech, manufacturing, and the food industry. Lithuanian companies offer high-quality products and expertise that resonate with Japanese market needs.

Lithuania does not yet have a dedicated Chamber of Commerce in Japan, but we look forward to exploring ways to collaborate and support Lithuanian businesses, especially in food, technology, and industrial sectors, as they expand into Japan. A big thank you to Ambassador Aurelijus Zykas and his team for this insightful exchange! We are excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to strengthen EU-Japan business ties.

On 2 April, the Finnish Chamber of Commerce in Japan (FCCJ) General Assembly was held at the Embassy of Finland. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the FCCJ’s growth over the past year, its strong financial recovery post-COVID, and the exciting projects ahead for 2025. Laurent Depus, President of the EBC Board, presented our activities to FCCJ members, showcasing how the EBC can support Finnish businesses in Japan.

Congratulations to Erik Ullner on his appointment as Honorary President, and to Ida Roine Tuononen, the new President of the FCCJ. We extend a heartfelt thank you to Erik and Executive Director Antti Kunnas for their active and constructive contributions to the EBC. Looking forward, we will continue building strong business ties between Europe, Finland, and Japan!

On 7 April, the EBC met with Yasuyo Sano and Maya Sakai of Fujitsu. We were pleased to learn that Ms. Sakai will be taking up a new position with the Japan Business Council in Europe (JBCE) in Brussels from May. In addition to her new role, she will also contribute to the work of the EU-Japan Business Round Table Working Party 1 (on Trade Relations; Investment and Regulatory Cooperation; Financial Services, Accounting and Taxation issues), co-chaired by JBCE and EBC. We extend our best wishes to Ms. Sakai as she embarks on this new chapter and look forward to continued close collaboration through her involvement in the EU-Japan Business Round Table. We are confident that her experience and insights will be an asset to our shared efforts.

On 8 April, the EBC met with the Manufactured Imports and Investment Promotion Organization (MIPRO) to discuss opportunities for strengthening foreign investment in Japan. MIPRO, established by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now METI) in collaboration with the private sector, plays a vital role in supporting import businesses and attracting global investment.

During the meeting, MIPRO sought the EBC’s insights on a range of investment schemes, especially those focused on regional promotion initiatives led by prefectures and municipalities. MIPRO also expressed interest in learning more about the EBC’s activities and exploring ways to collaborate on efforts to make Japan an even more attractive destination for foreign investors.

On 8 April, the EBC met with H.E. Zigmars Zilgalvis, Ambassador of Latvia to Japan, and Arta Voicehovska, Head of the Representative Office in Japan of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia. During the meeting, EBC Board President Laurent Depus presented the EBC’s key activities and services, which support European companies operating in Japan. In particular, he highlighted the EBC’s role in facilitating dialogue with Japanese ministries to help address non-tariff barriers and regulatory standards.

The main sectors of economic activity between Latvia and Japan include wood products, food & agriculture products, ICT, optical & medical instruments, and pharmaceutical products. Expo 2025 Osaka presents a significant opportunity for Latvian-Japanese economic relations. Latvia will participate alongside Lithuania in a joint Baltic pavilion, with multiple activities being prepared to showcase Latvia’s achievements. These initiatives will further enhance trade relations between Latvia and Japan, fostering mutual growth and collaboration. Currently, there is no Latvian Chamber of Commerce established in Japan. The EBC thanks Ambassador Zilgalvis  and Ms. Voicehovska for the discussion and looks forward to continuing collaboration and supporting Latvian and other European businesses in navigating the Japanese market!

Valerie Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer

• The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry is aiming to support companies likely to be affected by the United States’ reciprocal tariff policy. Senior Vice Minister Yuichiro Koga was set to visit Subaru Corp.’s factory in Gunma Prefecture on Monday to meet its vice president and others. He is also scheduled to exchange opinions with parts manufacturers. (The Japan News)
• Japan’s new food supply emergency measures law, which took effect last week, allows the government to instruct farmers to submit plans on how they will increase production of key foods such as rice if both domestic supplies shrink and prices surge. The legislation is aimed at curbing food shortages, as the production of nutritious crops has become unstable against a backdrop of climate change and Russia’s prolonged war in Ukraine, known as the “European granary” for the scale of agriculture conducted on its fertile black soil. (Japan Today)
• The Japanese government approved a cabinet ordinance on April 1st to introduce a new pre-screening system for foreign companies investing in Japan. The revised regulation will take effect on May 19th. Under the change, investors who are obliged to cooperate with foreign governments in intelligence gathering will be defined as “specified foreign investors” and will be required to submit prior notification without exception. (News on Japan)

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