EBC Newsletter – March 6, 2024

EBC Newsletter – March 6, 2024

 

From the EBC

Dear Friends of the EBC,

We have been busy this week!

On 28 February, Kreab Japan and the EBC co-hosted an event featuring Mr Carl Bildt, Vice Chairman, Kreab Worldwide, Co-Chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations, former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Sweden. He gave a presentation on “How Global Businesses Can Respond to Today’s Geopolitical Volatility”. Drawing on his extensive experience in the EU and the UN, Mr Bildt analysed today’s geopolitical challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the conflict in the Middle East, and discussed how global businesses can best respond to the rapidly changing landscape.

Masami Doi, Managing Partner Japan, Kreab /  Laurent Depus, EBC President

Jonathan Soble, Partner, KREAB Worldwide Tokyo and Carl Bildt /  Carl Bildt, Valerie Moschetti, and Laurent Depus

On 29 February, the EBC held its 2024 White Paper launch at the EU Delegation, an important event for stakeholders in the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement. The EBC would like to warmly thank all speakers and committees for their contributions to its 2024 White Paper. Special thanks go to the EU Delegation for their continued support in hosting this conference.

Adeline Hinderer, Head of Trade, Delegation of the European Union to Japan /  Laurent Depus, EBC President

On 4 March, the Delegation of the European Union to Japan celebrated the 5th year anniversary of the entry into force of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with a series of speeches, the presentation of a business survey, a panel discussion on the practical business benefits of the agreement and a networking event.
For more information on the EU-Japan EPA
The EBC, one of the most ardent supporters of the agreement in the 2010’s, was delighted to participate in the event and warmly congratulates the EU Delegation team on this wonderful achievement!

Jean-Eric Paquet, Ambassador of the European Union to Japan /  Satoshi Katahira, Director-General/Assistant Minister, Economic Affairs Bureau, MOFA /  Bjorn Kongstad, EBC Chief Policy Director, Valerie Moschetti, EBC Chief Operating Officer

On 22nd March (from 16:30; followed by a dinner), the EBC Automotive Components Committee will host KPMG’s automotive practice at the German Chamber of Commerce. Kohei Okuma (Senior Manager) & Hitoshi Inukai (Partner) will present their latest automotive industry survey with a tailor-made deep dive into the Japanese OEM, suppliers & consumer sentiments.
RegistrationFinally, let me share with you the following event:

On 21 March (13:30-15:30), the Japan Tax and Public Procurement (JTPP) Helpdesk of the EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation invites you at the EU Delegation to a masterclass workshop on Public Procurement in Japan.
Language: English only
Participation: Free of charge; restricted to staff affiliated with EU MS embassies, Trade Promotion Organizations (TPO) or Chambers of Commerce
Registration
Contact: Mr. Lyckle Griek ([email protected] /080-80457599)

The EBC team is looking forward to hearing from you soon!

Valerie Moschetti
EBC Chief Operating Officer

What’s in the Media

  • Japan’s financial watchdog is considering obliging companies listed on the top-tier section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange to disclose information on greenhouse gas emissions throughout their supply chains. The Financial Services Agency will set up a panel this month to work out the details of the envisioned policy in support of global efforts to accelerate decarbonization, according to its plan proposed at a meeting of the Financial System Council. (The Mainichi)
  • A recent legal change now allows individuals to obtain family registry certificates at any municipal office, not just their registered domicile. Before this amendment, these certificates were only available at the municipality of one’s registered domicile or, for those with a My Number card, at convenience stores. However, starting today, March 1, people can get them at any municipal office, regardless of their registered domicile. (News on Japan)
  • The government on Thursday eased visa regulations to expand the scope of foreign students allowed to stay on and find jobs in Japan, in response to calls from business and academic circles. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan said the government will allow students who have completed studies at state-designated technical schools to work in fields that are not necessarily closely related to the areas they majored in. (Kyodo News+)

Upcoming EBC Committee Meetings

Date Committee Time / Location
Mar 1 (Fri) Railways Hybrid
1600~
Mar 11 (Mon) Materials Hybrid
1730~
Mar 19 (Tue) Food & Agriculture EBC
1700~
Mar 21 (Thu) Insurance EBC
0900~
Mar 21 (Thu) Medical Equipment & Diagnostics Off-site
1430~
Mar 22 (Fri) Automotive Components & Aftermarket Off-site
1630~
Mar 28 (Thu) Insurance Hybrid
0730~
Mar 28 (Thu) Human Resources Hybrid
0930~
Mar 28 (Thu) Telecommunications Equipment On-line
1000~
Apr 5 (Fri) Railways Hybrid
1600~
Apr 11 (Thu) Human Resources Hybrid
0930~
Apr 18 (Thu) Medical Equipment & Diagnostics Off-site
1430~

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

Stakeholders of the EBC:

European Business Council JAPAN
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