EBC Newsletter – April 2, 2025

On 27 March, the EBC was honoured to be invited to the EFPIA (European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations) Japan General Assembly. EFPIA Japan plays a vital role in fostering collaboration between European life sciences companies and the Japanese healthcare sector.
The EBC has a long-standing and productive relationship with EFPIA Japan, working together on key healthcare policy issues to enhance patient access, regulatory alignment, and innovation in the pharmaceutical field.
The General Assembly provided an excellent platform to further strengthen our partnership, exchange insights on industry challenges and opportunities, and explore new avenues for cooperation. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with EFPIA Japan to drive positive developments in the healthcare landscape!

On 28 March, the EBC had the pleasure of discussing with H.E. Roger Dubach, Ambassador of Switzerland to Japan and Gregor Muischneek, Head of Economy & Finance section, the excellent relationship between the EBC and the Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Japan (SCCIJ), which actively supports our initiatives and brings valuable ideas to the table.
We are grateful to the former President, Thomas Brodbeck, and the current one, Michael Mroczek, for their dedication and leadership. Currently, 10 Swiss companies are actively engaged in our HR, Food & Agriculture, Medical Equipment, Automotive Components & Aftermarket, Government Relations, and Retail Committees. These companies are highly dynamic in Japan, and we look forward to welcoming even more in the future!
A big thank you to Ambassador Dubach and Gregor Muischneek for this very positive exchange!

On 31 March, the EBC met with the UCCJ Japan-Ukraine (Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce in Japan), represented by Kateryna Yavorska, President, and Yanna Dubnikova, Director, Academic and Cultural Affairs. UCCJ has offices in both Tokyo and Kansai.
We had a great exchange, presenting our organizations and discussing the business landscape in Japan for our companies. Most importantly, we explored opportunities for future collaboration to support and strengthen our business communities. We are excited for the road ahead and looking forward to working together with UCCJ team!

Our EBC member SAAB is hiring a Business Development Manager. If you are interested in working closely with both local and global teams to identify new opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and contribute to the company long-term success in the region, check this link: Business Development Manager

On 14 April, the French Chamber of Commerce is organizing the Young Professional Committee “Ask Me Anything!” event, a privileged moment to network for members under age 35 (at least in their head) and to learn from CEOs & C-suite of large financial organizations.
Registration

Valerie Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer

• The government will allocate a record of more than ¥20 trillion to a five-year national resilience plan aimed at strengthening essential public utilities and disaster prevention, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. On Tuesday, the National Resilience Promotion Headquarters will announce the outline of the envisaged medium-term plan, which will be implemented in fiscal 2026. The plan will focus on reinforcing vital infrastructure affected by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake among other disasters in recent years, according to several government and ruling party sources. (The Japan News)
• Japan will soon publish guidelines for ports aimed at accepting more cruise ships nationwide, with the government looking to boost the postpandemic recovery in calls and attract overseas visitors to rural areas hard to reach by land. Cruise ship calls at Japanese ports reached 2,479 in 2024 — about 85% of the pre-COVID-19 peak of 2,930 in 2018, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. Calls of vessels operated by overseas companies came to 1,923, reaching 96% of the prepandemic peak. (Nikkei Asia)
• Three major Japanese airports will introduce new electronic stands from April to streamline immigration and customs checks, government agencies said Tuesday, simplifying the current process requiring passports to be shown multiple times. Japanese travelers returning to the country and foreign visitors will be eligible to use the technology, according to Japan Customs and the Immigration Services Agency. The gates are intended to improve convenience and shorten processing times. (The Mainichi)

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