************************************************************************* Issue 33 [May 2009] OCCI e-Magazine http://www.osaka.cci.or.jp/e/index.html ************************************************************************* [CONTENTS, May 2009] 1. Kansai Business Mission to China ---for closer cooperation in environment-related fields 2. "Intl-OCCI" (OCCI-operated business support website) opened May 11th ---to support both Osaka and overseas companies' search for business partners 3. Representation to Government for Improvement on Roads/Highways for Economic Revitalization of Osaka-Kansai 4. OCCI Staffer posted to the Japanese Business Association of Hochiminh City 5. OCCI International Division report on VIP visitors ========================================================================= 1. Kansai Business Mission to China ---for closer cooperation in environment-related fields Under the co-sponsorship of Kansai's 8 economic organizations with 53 mission members led by Co-Leaders Chairman A.Nomura of OCCI and Chairman H. Shimozuma of Kansai Economic Federation, "Kansai Business Mission to China" was dispatched to Beijing from April 12-15, 2009. Since 1971 prior to the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Kansai economic community altogether has been sending its economic mission every five years or so to strengthen relations between Japan or Kansai and China through exchanges of views with China's Government leaders and executives. This was the 6th such mission, and OCCI Vice Chairman M.Kato also took part in it. The Mission members met and talked with Mr. WANG Qishan, Vice Premier (in charge of economic and financial affairs), with whom it was agreed that closer cooperation be promoted between the two countries particularly in the environment-related fields. They also met and exchanged views with executive officers of the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Development and Reform Commission. While expressing cautious views on the future of China's economy, Mr. CHEN Deming emphasized the need of positive attitude to turn the current crisis into a chance, referring to China's prompt economic measures worth 4 trillion yuan steadily taking effect. On the other hand, OCCI Chairman A. Nomura brought up various tasks involved in the business with China such as the matters with the intellectual properties, labor management, distribution systems, collection of debts etc, to be improved looking to further expansion of economic exchange activities. "Kansai-China Water Environment Forum" (sponsored and conducted by the Mission on April 13th) was attended by 210 participants from both countries. Introducing the advanced technologies for water disposals and water supply services possessed by Kansai's regional governments and companies, the Forum called for closer cooperation between the two countries for environmental issues, with active exchanges of views being conducted by participants. OCCI Chairman A. Nomura said in summary "We fully realized that at this global economic crisis, China promptly implemented measures for expansion of domestic demand moving ahead toward economic recovery. On our part, we successfully impressed those we met, with the keen interest the Kansai region is taking in China". ======================================================================== 2. "Intl-OCCI" (OCCI-operated business support website) opened May 11th ---to support both Osaka and overseas companies' search for business partners On May 11th 2009, Intl-OCCI was opened by OCCI to support, all free of charge, particularly Osaka-Kansai-based SMEs (small and medium enterprises) to send out information overseas and also to collect information from overseas, through the English language bulletin with access function as well as through the special corners set up featuring products in well-focused areas, currently 'Environment' to start with. Again, users can take advantage of all these services, free of charge. (1) Posting of, and Search for, Business Information "Information on Inquiries at a Glance" was set up for wide-ranging companies around the world to post information in English on their products, services and selling points etc to be sent out worldwide. "Information on Inquiries at a Glance" also enables users to search for and browse through posted business information, thus serving as a two-way bulletin for international business. On this site, special corners featuring some Osaka-based companies' strong-point products are also set up. For a start now, taking up the currently much discussed 'Environment', we are featuring products of 8 companies priding themselves on their unique technologies. (2) Offering Information on International Events Information on international events to be held in Japan is offered at timely moments (including details on business talks meetings with overseas companies, seminars inviting investments, etc). Included also is information on trade fairs and exhibitions, trade delegations or other organized visits from overseas. (3) Machine Translations between Japanese / English / Chinese / Korean Both text translations and WEB translations can be done covering these languages, mainly for less complicated, straightforward messages. * Intl-OCCI: http://www.intl.osaka.cci.or.jp/index.php/m/leads/a/index ======================================================================== 3. Representation to Government for Improvement on Roads/Highways for Economic Revitalization of Osaka-Kansai Under a joint signature of the Osaka / Kobe / Kyoto / Sakai Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Kansai Economic Federation and Kansai Keizai Doyukai (Kansai Association of Corporate Executives) organized by OCCI, we made a representation to the Prime Minister, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and other authorities concerned on the requirement for improvement on roads / highways. The proposed requirement appeals to them for the urgent need for consolidation of loop or belt highway network around Osaka city center area, in order to alleviate heavy, chronically congested traffic in the area causing great economic losses. It also proposed for improvement on the road access between North Osaka and the "Panel Bay" area around Osaka Bay (with recently increasing recognition for the major manufacturers' huge complexes for production of liquid crystal, plasma display and solar panels) as well as on the principal (trunk) roads for connection through Kobe, Osaka and Nagoya. OCCI will continue working to urge them to improve the roads, to enhance the attraction of the 24-hour operating Kansai International Airport and the Ports of Hanshin as Asia's hubs of distribution. ======================================================================== 4. OCCI Staffer posted to the Japanese Business Association of Hochiminh City In April, OCCI dispatched a staffer to be posted as Secretary General at the Japanese Business Association of Hochiminh City, Vietnam. With recently rising numbers of Japanese companies setting up a base of business operation in Vietnam, there are more requests made and various needs felt among them. The newly appointed Secretary General from OCCI looks forward to doing his part in contributing to further promotion of exchange activities between the two countries. * The Japanese Business Association of Hochiminh City: http://www.jbah.info.vn/ ======================================================================== 5. OCCI International Division report on VIP visitors * May 15 (Fri) Mr. James P. Zumwalt, Charge d'Affaires ad interim Embassy of the United States of America * May 18 (Mon) Mr. Johan Maricou, Ambassador Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium ========================================================================