EBC Newsletter – June 6, 2024

Dear Friends of the EBC,

Hello from the heart of Europe! I am currently in Brussels, attending the European Business Organisations (EBO) Worldwide Network Annual Global Summit with nearly 50 EBOs from all corners of the globe. This summit provides us with a unique opportunity to delve into various European policies that can significantly benefit European companies worldwide. We are also offering direct feedback and recommendations from our respective markets to the European Commission. In addition to the main meetings, we are engaging in internal global and regional meetings. My focus has been on collaborating with EBOs from East Asia and the Pacific to explore ways to better serve European companies in our region.
We’ve already heard insightful presentations from:

• Michael Hager, Head of Cabinet of Executive Vice President Dombrovskis
• Taneli Lahti, Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Urpilainen
• Elina Laurinen, Member of Cabinet of Commissioner Breton
• Denis Redonnet, Deputy Director General & CTEO – DG Trade
• Marcus Gustafsson, Policy Officer at DG Trade – China and Taiwan
• Cornelis Keijzer, Head of Trade, Economics, and Research at EU Delegation Australia and working at Asia Pacific Unit on Australia and New Zealand
• Ms. Edery, Head of Bilateral Relations Unit, DG CLIMA

Representatives of all present EBOs / East Asia & Pacific EBOs representatives /
Michael Hager / Elina Laurinen

We are excited to invite automotive companies to our next committee meeting on 18 June at 16:30. Yutaka Kondo from TIER IV, a leading Japanese autonomous driving startup, will be discussing their advancements in autonomous technology and exploring potential areas for collaboration in Europe.
Event Details:

• Date & Time: June 18, 16:30 (limited seats available)
• Location: TIER IV Headquarters, Shinagawa
• Followed by: Networking dinner
• Register Here: Event Registration

We are also seeking speakers, panellists, and sponsors for the upcoming Digital Summit on 17 October at Europa House (EU Delegation to Japan). If your company is interested or if you have a speaker in mind, please get in touch with us.

We are thrilled to announce that Sophie Bocklandt, Managing Director of the BLCCJ, has been awarded the title of Knight in the Order of the Crown by His Excellency Antoine Evrard, Ambassador of Belgium to Japan. This prestigious honor is a testament to her exceptional efforts in supporting Belgian and Luxembourg companies in Japan. Congratulations, Sophie!

Warm regards,

Valerie Moschetti
Chief Operating Officer
European Business Council

For more updates and information, please visit our website.

• The Japanese government has designated four prefectures and three cities as special financial and asset management zones, introducing policies that include the creation of new visas for specific foreign investors. To promote the shift from ‘savings to investment,’ the government aims to encourage new domestic and international entrants and competition in the asset management industry. (News on Japan)
• Japan and the European Union are expected to agree on setting common rules on procurement in decarbonization sectors, such as wind, solar and hydrogen. Specifically, the envisioned rules will require factors besides price, such as environmental impact and human rights, be considered when procuring solar panels and other products. Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ken Saito and European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson was to conclude the agreement in Tokyo. (The Japan News)
• Some 40 percent of highly skilled foreign workers choose to remain in Japan, a report by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development showed Thursday, with the relatively high rate benefitting the Asian nation struggling with a labor shortage. In its first review of Japan’s labor migration policy, the OECD also highlighted controversial aspects of the country’s foreign technical intern program, which the government plans to revamp amid criticism that the program has provided cover for companies seeking to import cheap labor from Asia and fostered conditions conducive to human rights violations. (Kyodo News+)

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