JETRO London

MidCity, 71 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6AL

Tel; +44  020 7421 8300

Email; ldn_invest [at] jetro.go.jp

Q1 Tell me about your organisation?

JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st century has shifted towards promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential. The headquarters is in Tokyo, and JETRO has more than 70 offices globally and about 50 offices across Japan. (https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/)

We, JETRO’s London Office, opened in 1959. In addition to the UK, we cover the Republic of Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

As well as supporting Japanese companies in their business development and expansion into the European countries mentioned above, JETRO London helps European start-ups, SMEs and corporates with excellent technology to develop their business in Japan under the “Invest Japan” program.

Within this program, we provide market research, industry insights, business matching opportunities, temporary office space in Japan, and consultations to help smooth the process of establishing a presence in Japan. If your company becomes our client, after a short a screening process, you can use all our support services free of charge.

For more information about how we can help you, please see below.

https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/invest/jetros_support/

Q2 How did COVID-19 change your activity?

JETRO London was quick to respond to the challenge, and managed to hold business-matching events and trade shows online. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have supported nearly 100 business to explore and expand their business into Japan within the last 12 months. Five of them have successfully set up a local presence in Japan.

Q3 What initiatives are you looking forward to in this year?

JETRO London office continues to aim at making market entry as smooth as possible for our client companies. As a public office, we also engage in identifying companies, mostly start-ups, with innovative technologies that can address the complex issues within Japanese society. We would like to work with Irish companies with such technologies and ambitions to help their business succeed in Japan.

Q4 For you, why is collaboration with foreign chambers such as the IJCC important?

IJCC is an ideal channel to promote JETRO London’s activities. If we could be any help to IJCC’s member companies through these activities, we would be very happy.

Q5 How can IJCC members get involved in your activity? And which field would you look to collaborate with IJCC members especially?

JETRO London, together with its local liaison in Dublin supports Irish start-ups and more established SMEs or corporations to start developing strategies for entering the Japanese market. For companies that already have a presence in Japan, we can introduce you to our Head Office team and can provide support for the expansion of your Japanese operations, especially into local regions.