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Issue 31       [March 2009] 
                           OCCI e-Magazine
                http://www.osaka.cci.or.jp/e/index.html
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[CONTENTS, March 2009]
1. OCCI Research on Osaka-based companies' Business with China
   ---Currently rather severe, but majority looking forward 
      to further developing business with China
2. Kansai International Airport, Operation through 2008
   ---Numbers of flights renew record, but international passengers decrease
3. Technology Convergence in Medical Care Moving Forward in Scotland
4. OCCI International Division report on VIP visitors

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1. OCCI Research on Osaka-based companies' Business with China
   ---Currently rather severe, but majority looking forward 
      to further developing business with China

   Targeting some Osaka-based companies, OCCI has recently conducted a research 
on the current status of their business with China and on the tasks for future business, 
for guidance in our activities for further development, and 109 companies responded.

   Concerning the global financial crisis and deepening recession of today, 82% of 
companies either allow for their business with China to be adversely affected or 
express concern about such adverse effects, citing suspensions or postponements of projects, 
exchange loss or sales decline because of the higher value of yen etc., revealing the severe situation.

   Among the tasks for future business, considerable concern over the quality and safety of 
products stands out, followed by the issues to directly cause increase of production costs 
such as pay raises and exchange problems (through rises of yuan exchange rates) threatening 
to lessen the advantage of China as a base of production.

   While 54% of respondents have had some problems, disputes or trouble in their business 
with China, 55% intend to expand (or start) such business still showing positive attitude 
despite difficulties.

   Results of the research will be taken into consideration by the Kansai Economic Mission 
to China scheduled to be sent in April 2009, for their visits to the Government and business leaders.

* Chinese Business Support Office, International Division, OCCI (Tel: 06-6944-6400)

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2. Kansai International Airport, Operation through 2008
   ---Numbers of flights renew record, but international passengers decrease

   In 2008, Kansai International Airport renewed its record in the numbers of landings and 
takeoffs at 132,408 (6% up on 2007) with both international and domestic services included. 
On international lines, both passenger and cargo set their records so far, and on domestic lines, 
special cargo services recorded increase for 4 consecutive years.

   Passengers of 16,006,662 were 4% down from 2007. While the numbers of both Japanese and 
foreign passengers decreased because of the recession and unfavorable exchange moves, 
those on the domestic lines increased, thanks to the additional flights.

   The total cargos handled were upheld at 820,759 tons (1% up on 2007) with those on international lines 
keeping up last year's level and those on domestic lines increased for 4 consecutive years 
with the additional flights brought in service. According to the Osaka Customs, total exports 
through the Kansai International Airport increased for 3 consecutive years to 4.6 trillion yen 
(1% up on 2007) including those to China that annually rised for 16 years in a row, 
while the other hub-airports like the Tokyo (Narita) and Nagoya ('Centrair') International Airports 
both suffered a sharp decline.

* Kansai International Airport (http://www.kiac.co.jp/en/)

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3. Technology Convergence in Medical Care Moving Forward in Scotland

   At the invitation of UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), OCCI dispatched a key official to Scotland 
during February 22 - March 1 for activities to promote the Osaka - Kansai region as well as for fast-finding 
on the development of the local industrial clusters.

   So-called after the Silicon Valley of the US, the "Silicon Glen" of Scotland, once thriving 
in all the electronics before the busting of the IT bubbles, is now shifting over as a major center 
not only of information industry focusing on software industries but also further for convergence 
with those other than the IT industries.

   Most outstanding, or most focused-on, among them all is the convergence with health or healthcare. 
A project team called "Wellness and Health Innovation" is organized in government agencies, and 
through this project team, our delegate was introduced to many venture enterprises with unique technologies 
or ideas. Among them for example are the Radio Frequency IDentification - RFID chips-based healthcare systems 
for patients, special - beam systems for self-diagnosis of breast cancer or other systems --- all taking 
in view the forthcoming even further ageing society and shortage of doctors. Those interested in specific details 
of proposals are requested to contact the following persons: 

Contact : Mr. K. Matsumoto, Mr. I. Obayashi, Economy and Industry Div., OCCI (Tel: 06-6944-6403)

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4. OCCI International Division report on VIP visitors

*  February 20 (Fri)  Mr.Christopher Nicholas REES, Consul General
                        Australian Consulate-General in Osaka
*  February 24 (Tue)  Mr. Supote ISARANKURA NA AYUDHYA, Consul General
                        Royal Thai Consulate-General in Osaka

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