Wednesday, October 22, 2008, 7:30AM - 1:15PM
ENGLISH
JETRO Event

This symposium is designed to highlight investment opportunities in the Japanese market. Japan’s economy remains powerful, second only to the United States and accounts for 9% of global GDP. Tokyo has the world’s largest metropolitan economy, with $1.2 trillion in purchasing power. The Japanese household sector alone sits on $16 trillion in financial assets. And Japan’s wealth of human resources, capital, technology and relentless spirit for innovation make it home to many of the world’s leading brands in consumer electronics, automotive, industrial automation, and now alternative energy and green technologies.

Whereas in the past, only large multinational companies were interested in developing a business presence in the Japanese market. In the early 21st century however, numerous smaller foreign companies are leveraging their technologies and services to develop business in Japan. Foreign direct investment (FDI) has more than doubled from $63 billion in 2001 to $144 billion in 2007. American businesses in Japan realize an average return of 14% on their Japanese investments, compared to the global average of 12%.

Importantly, there has been a dramatic change in the mindset of the Japanese government and business community toward FDI. A realization has been made that in order for the economy to grow, Japan must be open to the world. For example, the Japanese government understands that mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in general contribute to the revitalization of the economy and result in the promotion of FDI in Japan. The Japanese government is now working to create a fair and transparent environment for M&A that would clarify ideal ways of defense against takeovers. In June, the Corporate Value Study Group distributed a report, "Takeover Defense Measures in Light of Recent Environmental Changes": if promulgated, these recommendations have the potential to boost confidence in the Japanese stock market and enhance the value of Japanese companies. In 2008, the Expert Committee on FDI was formed in the Cabinet Office of the Government of Japan. In May, the committee issued a report outlining five recommendations as a prescription to increase FDI in Japan. The report notes that M&A in Japan must be accelerated, which illustrates how positive the outlook is in Japan for foreign direct investment. And Japan’s prefecture governments, many of which represent advanced technology driven economies, are eager to increase FDI and are actively assisting investment in their regions.

The practice of corporate governance as defined by the fiduciary relationships between managers and shareholders is a critical issue for the investment community. What is the perception of corporate governance in Japan? And with the increase in foreign shareholders, what are the expectations for the future? These topics will be addressed as well.

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the U.S. Department of State are organizing this symposium to provide an up-to-date assessment for the Midwest business community interested in Japan’s investment environment. We will hear from government and business leaders visiting from Japan as well as American financial and technology executives with significant business experience in the Japanese market.

Registration for this event has been closed.
*There will be no on-site registration and walk-ins are not permitted.

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