Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce established

The JIEA formally became the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce on 11 January 2008 following a decision by the Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry. The new Chamber will build on the work of the JIEA over the past 35 years to promote and expand business and trade relations between Ireland and Japan. Membership of the JIEA automatically translates into membership of the Chamber. A formal launch event for the IJCC will be held in the early spring and a new website - www.ijcc.jp - will be unveiled in the coming weeks. The Chamber is already up and running - its first event was a breakfast briefing by the Irish Ambassador for Corporate Members on the recent Irish Government budget. The next event is the regular, twice-monthly informal networking evening on 7 February which is open to Chamber Members and all those with an interest in Ireland-Japan business links. See the Events section for more information. The Chamber's Annual General Meeting will take place on 23 April at which Members will elect a new Board of Directors. The creation of the Chamber of Commerce marks an exciting step in the development of the Ireland-Japan business community. Join us now by clicking on the Membership page.

JIEA votes to establish Irish Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Members of the Japan Ireland Economic Association (JIEA) voted unanimously on 4 December to set up an Irish Chamber of Commerce in Japan at an Extraordinary General Meeting called to debate the proposal. The new business body, to be called the Ireland Japan Chamber of Commerce (IJCC), will succeed the thirty-four year old JIEA as the voice and lobbying arm of the Irish-Japanese business community. Members also adopted a new set of Articles of Association which will govern the running of the Chamber once established. Announcing the outcome of the vote, JIEA President Frank Seiji Sanda said he looked forward to the new Chamber playing a greater role in strengthening business links between the two countries and stressed it would remain focussed on the two-way relationship between Japan and Ireland. Ambassador Scannell welcomed this move as a means of enhancing the already active role played by the Japan-Ireland business community in furthering economic and trade links and pledged the Embassy's support for the new body. Following this historic vote, the JIEA Secretariat will now present a formal application to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry which is responsible for registration of Chambers of Commerce. It is expected that the IJCC will be up and running early in 2008.

The JIEA also announced plans to play a greater role in strengthening links between the Irish and Japanese financial services industries, through its increasingly active Financial Services Committee, chaired by Kikuo Kuroiwa, as well as plans for an expanded range of networking and other events in 2008.

Foreign Chambers Business Confidence Survey - Fall 2007

The 12th survey (Fall 2007) has begun. By completing it you will have the privilege of real-time access to the raw survey results, and if you provide your e-mail address, you will be among the first to receive the results after analysis.

Since the survey's inception in the Spring of 2002, the results (published at http://www.fcc.or.jp/fcij/bcs.html) have been a valuable tool not only for chambers and related embassies to assess the business climate, but also for the business and research community at large.

The survey is extremely brief--seven compulsory questions in all--and we hope that you will cooperate with us in this project as so many of you have before.

To complete the survey, visit:
http://www.fcc.or.jp/survey/jiea.html

Between opening the page and pressing "submit," it should not require more than five minutes of your time!

The deadline for your input to be included in the results is Friday, October 26.

This survey is supported by Ecentral - designed to match bilingual professionals in Japan with the companies that need them. Thank you for your cooperation.

JIEA Annual Business Dinner with EU Commissioner Charlie McCreevy

Mr. McCreevy, the EU Commissioner for Internal Market and Services addressed to the JIEA members at this year's Annual Business Dinner held on 14 June in the exclusive setting of the Park Hyatt Hotel in Shinjyuku. He is the former Irish Minister for Finance and one of the architects of the Irish "Celtic Tiger" Economic success. Vigorous Q & A session followed after his speech on the European and global trade policy.

To read the speech in English click here

To read the speech in Japanese click here

Expanded Programme of the year 2007

Click here to see the JIEA Expanded Programme 2007

New Membership Categories

The JIEA has introduced a new membership structure which aims to broaden the scope for companies and individuals to become involved in the work of the Association. The new membership categories, which were adopted by the annual General Meeting on 16 May, are Corporate, Professional, Associate, Student and Honorary. The new structure also provides for the possibility of 'Platinum Partner' sponsorship. A new structure of membership fees and member benefits was also introduced to place the JIEA on a sounder financial footing and to enable the Association to carry out a wider range of activities in 2007. The decision was made as part of an ongoing review into the role and structure of the JIEA which aims to ensure that the Association is delivering the services and events expected by its members and has the structures necessary to do so. You can read more about this review and participate in the current survey of JIEA members on the JIEA Review page.

The new categories and fees are set out on the Membership page of this site and have immediate effect. The Secretariat will shortly write to all members setting out the new categories and fees and explaining the reason for their adoption.

JIEA Business Community Survey 2007

The Japan-Ireland Economic Association is the forum for the Japan-Ireland business community.  Since its relaunch in April 2006, the Association has arranged a packed programme of networking receptions, speaker events and business dinners for its members, as well as lobbying on behalf of business interests. In the past year, the Association has doubled its membership of corporations, SMEs and individual businesspeople.   

We are committed to matching our objectives and activities to meet the needs of the diverse Japan-Ireland business community and to expanding our membership even further.  That’s why we want to hear the views of the business community - JIEA members and non-members alike.  What should be the objectives of the JIEA?  What activities should it undertake?  What do we need to do better? 
     
Tell us what you think….
Please fill in the form and send us back by 1 June 2007.
To download the Survey form in English, click here
To download the Survey form in Japanese, click here

Foreign Minister Aso and Irish Minister celebrate St Patrick' Day

Foreign Minister Taro Aso was guest of honour at a special event in Tokyo on 16 March to mark Ireland's national day, St Patrick's Day, and to celebrate fifty years of Ireland-Japan links. Visiting Irish Minister, Tim O'Malley, spoke of the strong relationship that has grown between the Irish and Japanese peoples over the past fifty years and the much longer historical connections between Japan and Ireland. "The first Irishman recorded as having set foot in Japan was a shipwrecked sailor who was imprisoned here in 1704!" said the Minister. "Thankfully, in more recent years, the story of the Irish in Japan has been a happier one, and Irish people have for years been making a significant contribution to their adopted communities as educators, business people, clergy, students and artists, and in a variety of other roles."Minister Aso welcomed the increasingly close relations between the two island nations based on shared values and hoped that cooperation would grow from strength to strength in the years ahead. In keeping with Irish tradition, Minister O'Malley presented Minister Aso with a gift of shamrock, to symbolise friendship between the Japanese and Irish peoples.

This event was the first of a series of special events to mark St Patrick's Day and the 50th anniversary including lighting-up Tokyo Tower in green. You can read more about the historical links between Japan and Ireland by clicking here .

Irish & Japanese Prime Ministers exchange anniversary greetings

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and Prime Minister Abe exchanged greetings on 5 March to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Japan. Both countries are celebrating this important anniversary with a year-long programme of events. Describing the strong and vibrant relationship between the two countries, the Taoiseach said 'Today, Japan is a key strategic partner for Ireland. The Ireland-Japan business relationship has grown from strength to strength to the benefit and prosperity of both nations. Dynamic and pro-business policies adopted by both our Governments have paved the way for this success and I hope the economic relationship will continue to grow and expand.' Prime Minister Abe praised Ireland's 'remarkable economic development', and said he regards Ireland as 'Japan’s important partner sharing fundamental values'. Mr Abe said he hoped the anniversary year will 'bring about a quantum leap in our bilateral relationship' a sentiment fully shared by the Taoiseach. Full information on the programme of events taking place in Japan is available at www.irelandinjapan.jp.

To read the Taoiseach's letter of greetings click here
To read Prime Minister Abe's letter of greetings click here

Speech by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern to the JIEA, 9th May 2006

“Economically and politically, Japan is Ireland’s most important partner in Asia and engagement with Japan is the cornerstone of Ireland’s Asia Strategy – that was one of the key messages from the Irish Foreign Minister Dermot Ahern when he addressed the JIEA dinner at the prestigious Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Nihonbashi. 

The dinner on 9 May was attended by over a hundred guests including JIEA members, prominent figures from the business community, senior officials from Japanese Government Ministries and journalists.       

In his speech, the Minister highlighted the factors which have contributed to Ireland’s economic success, including its membership of the European Union, its stable economic environment and its low corporate tax regime.  The Minister also explained that Ireland has much to offer for Japanese investment, and spoke about the particular opportunities for the Japanese financial sectors and pension funds. 

The Minister also spoke enthusiastically about the potential for developing even further the business relationship between Japan and Ireland.  Two-way trade between the two countries exceeded 560 billion yen last year, and will grow further this year, over 30 Japanese companies have operations in Ireland and more 30 Irish companies are in the Japanese market.      

At the end of the evening, many of the guests had the opportunity to informally speak with Minister Ahern.

Go to Speech

Presentation from the Irish Prime Minister to Mr Toshiro Shimoyama

The Irish Prime Minister has expressed his appreciation for the outstanding contribution of Mr Toshiro Shimoyama, supreme advisor to Olympus Corporation and a member of the JIEA board, for his contribution to Japan-Ireland relations and for his role in developing the high-tech Olympus facility in Ireland. 

The Irish Foreign Minister, Mr Dermot Ahern, made a presentation to Mr Shimoyama on behalf of the Prime Minister, Mr Bertie Ahern, at the JIEA dinner on 9 May.  In making this presentation, the Minister praised the company’s expansion of its long-standing Irish operations as an example of the mutual benefits that investment in Ireland had brought to the company and to economy of County Clare, where the Olympus facility is located.

JIEA Business Reception, 5th April

The JIEA kicked off its 2006 programme with a business reception in Shinjuku on 5 April attended by over one hundred JIEA members and prominent Irish and Japanese business figures. Ambassador of Ireland to Japan Brendan Scannell officially launched the new JIEA logo and website and unveiled the 2006 programme of events. With continuing strong growth in the Irish economy and Japan well on the path to full recovery, the prospects for increased Ireland-Japan trade are good. 2005 saw Yen 560 billion worth of two-way trade and this figure is set to grow in 2006. The aim of the JIEA is to provide members with a forum in which to grow their businesses, to interact with the Japan-Ireland business community and to provide a voice for Ireland-Japan business interests. JIEA President Takanori Kazuhara urged companies to get involved as their interests were best served through a strong business community acting together. The evening was sponsored by Olympus and Diageo, with spot prizes of digital cameras and binoculars awarded to six lucky guests. Members were also able to sample Bushmills and Blackbush Irish whiskey as they networked with key figures in the Ireland-Japan business community.

JIEA Annual General Meeting, 5th April

The JIEA Annual General Meeting was held on 5 April at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku. Members adopted a report by the Association’s President, Ambassador Kazuhara, and elected a new Board of Directors [link to Board page]. In addition, members agreed to introduce a new Junior Professional membership category, approved JIEA membership of the European Business Council (EBC) and endorsed the programme of events for 2006 [link]. Click here to download a copy of the minutes from this meeting.

JIEA joins European Business Council

As part of our rolling programme of change, the JIEA joined the European Business Council (EBC) on 5 April. The EBC is the umbrella body of seventeen European business organisations and chambers of commerce in Japan. Established in 1972, it represents over 3,000 companies and individuals who are members of the EBC through their respective national organisation and lobbies actively to improve market access and resolve regulatory and other business concerns on behalf of its members. EBC membership will provide JIEA companies access to EBC resources and activities, in particular its policy committees, business surveys and its business lobbying activity. In addition, JIEA members will be able to join the EBC’s twenty-seven industry and sectoral committees at a significantly reduced rate. For more details contact the JIEA Secretariat or the EBC website (www.ebc-jp.com).

Minister visits JIEA members in Kansai

Mr Dick Roche, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, visited JIEA member Takeda Pharmaceuticals in Osaka on 16 March. The Minister was in Japan to promote the Japan-Ireland business relationship and to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Minister Roche met Takeda Board Member Toyoji Yoshida and General Manager Akira Nakatani. The Minister thanked Takeda for its long-standing relationship with Ireland where it operates  two facilities and discussed with the company its future plans. ‘Japan is our most important trading partner in Asia’, said the Minister, ‘with annual trade worth Yen 560 billion in 2005. Ireland is a great place from which to do business in Europe, a fact recognised by more and more Japanese companies, such as market-leader Takeda, as well as other first-rate companies including Alps, Fujikin and UCSI. Irish companies also continue to perform well in Japan.’ During his visit, the Minister also met with Matsushita and ECC Language School and hosted a reception for the Ireland-Kansai business community. In Tokyo, Minister Roche met Foreign Minister Aso and Environment Minister Koike, before attending the annual Emerald Ball and leading the 15th St Patrick’s Day parade on Omotesando.  The JIEA is keen to expand its membership base in Kansai. For further details, please contact the JIEA Secretary.

JIEA Business Dinner at Ambassador’s Residence

The Irish Ambassador to Japan, Brendan Scannell, hosted a business networking dinner for JIEA members at his Residence on 15 February. The evening offered an opportunity for JIEA members to meet each other and to discuss ways in which to develop business between Ireland and Japan in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. The evening was co-hosted by JIEA President, Ambassador Takanori Kazuhara. Speaking at the event, Ambassador Scannell stressed the opportunities for two-way business: ‘The Irish economy continues to record impressive rates of growth and the forecast is as strong as ever with 5% annual projected until 2010. Here in Japan we also have good news about the economy, with recovery well underway and both business and consumer confidence growing. Now is the time to invest in the Ireland-Japan business relationship and the JIEA is there to help its members achieve their goals in both markets.’ The dinner was attended by a cross-section of Japanese and Irish businesses. For more information on future events, please check the Events section of the website.

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