EBC Newsletter – February 12, 2025

On 5 February, the EBC Auto Components & Aftermarket Committee had the pleasure of welcoming Hans Greimel, journalist at Automotive News, for an in-depth discussion on the potential Nissan-Honda merger. Mr. Greimel provided a thorough analysis of the proposed merger, exploring its key aspects, challenges, and potential industry impact. He also offered valuable insights into the leadership dynamics within both companies and what this could mean for the future of the Japanese automotive sector.
The session sparked engaging discussions, with committee members sharing thoughts, questions, and speculation on how this merger might unfold.

A big thank you to Hans Greimel for his expertise and engaging presentation! If you are interested in this very dynamic committee, please contact the EBC.

The 26th annual EU-Japan Business Round Table (BRT) is taking place in Tokyo on 12 February. The European Business Council, a long-standing member of the BRT, participates alongside various companies and organisations from both the EU and Japan. The EBC also co-chairs Working Party 1 on Trade Relations, Investment, and Regulatory Cooperation in partnership with the Japanese Business Council in Europe (JBCE).

This year’s BRT is focusing on competitiveness and economic security, with recommendations to be submitted to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba.

The BRT serves as a valuable platform for the EBC to engage with high-ranking politicians, officials, and business leaders from Europe and Japan. It promotes collaboration on key policy issues, strengthens economic ties, and fosters the exchange of insights on market developments.

The EBC Human Resources Committee unites HR leaders from European and Japanese companies across various industries and sizes. This vibrant and diverse group serves as a hub for sharing best practices and exchanging insights on key topics like new HR legislation, DEI initiatives, workplace harassment, pensions, visa challenges, and much more.

Are you looking to connect with other HR professionals, exchange knowledge, or grow your network? Or perhaps you’re interested in helping shape the upcoming EBC HR Summit?
Join us for the next EBC HR Committee meeting on 20 February at 09:30 at the EBC. We’d love to welcome you to the conversation!

To participate, simply email [email protected].

Valerie Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer

• AI-related investments have helped Japan’s manufacturing industry enter a recovery, with the sector posting an 8% year-on-year net profit increase in the April-December 2024 period after a 6% decrease in April-September. Nikkei compiled data from 331 manufacturing companies, excluding subsidiaries of listed parent companies, that had announced their results for the April-December period as of Friday. They account for 70% of manufacturing companies that have fiscal years ending in March, or 80% by market capitalization. (Nikkei Asia)
• The Financial Service Agency (FSA) requested Apple and Google to remove the apps of five illegal overseas crypto asset exchanges from their app stores this month, according to sources. The apps, which are designed for Japan, are not registered with the agency. This is the first time the FSA has made such a request. (The Japan News)
• The trade ministry plans to standardize the way information is labeled on processed foods and daily goods to create a data infrastructure that can be shared among distributers. Under the current system, the information is independently managed by each food maker. The envisaged infrastructure is expected to help the distribution industry streamline its operations. (The Japan News)

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