Latest news with #JapanExternalTradeOrganisation
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Expo 2025 Osaka elevates Japan-Malaysia economic relations
KUALA LUMPUR: The Expo 2025 Osaka serves as a launchpad for deeper cooperation in key economic sectors, proving to be a significant platform for enhancing economic relations between Japan and Malaysia, according to the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). JETRO Kuala Lumpur managing director Koichi Takano noted that the expo presents a great opportunity to elevate cooperation between Japan and Malaysia to a new level as it opens up a long-term investment space that will continue to deliver benefits. "Looking ahead, JETRO anticipates robust growth in investment across decarbonisation, renewable energy, digital technology, the halal sector and high-value services. "Malaysia's role as the ASEAN chair in 2025 is expected to further accelerate cooperation, particularly through its involvement in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative championed by Japan," he told Bernama. The AZEC Summit, scheduled to be held in Malaysia this year, marks a significant milestone in energy collaboration between the two countries. According to Takano, the ongoing negotiation of the Joint Crediting Mechanism is expected to unlock more opportunities for Japanese environmental technologies to be applied in Malaysia. "JETRO has compiled a catalogue of Japanese companies contributing to decarbonisation and is actively supporting their expansion in the Malaysian market. "These efforts are complemented by growing investment interest in consumer-related sectors such as food products, healthcare, education and Japanese lifestyle services," he noted. To unlock the full potential of Japan-Malaysia trade ties in the coming decade, Takano stressed that strengthening the existing relationship of trust is the most critical step. He said Japan, once Malaysia's largest investor, retains strong ties with the country, and JETRO remains committed to serving as a bridge for future cooperation. "Economic security, energy transition and resilient supply chains are shared priorities. Building on our longstanding trust, we can create lasting partnerships that benefit both nations. "JETRO will continue to lead efforts in business matching, market entry support and strategic engagement, ensuring Japanese companies remain active and invested in Malaysia's future," he said. Japanese firms sees Malaysia as a hub In addition, Takano said Japanese companies are also taking advantage of strategic tax incentives and increasingly considering Malaysia for regional headquarters. He believed that Malaysia's attractiveness is further enhanced by its competitive cost base and growing role in regional value chains. "JETRO is playing a key role in supporting these developments by providing updated information on policies, investment incentives and strategic sector opportunities. "With Malaysia's current economic growth at 5.1 per cent, compared with 3.6 per cent the previous year, Japanese firms are showing increased confidence in the local market," he added. The organisation's 2024 Business Conditions Survey revealed that profitability among Japanese companies in Malaysia continues to exceed the ASEAN average – attributable to strong performance in manufacturing, particularly in sectors such as electrical and electronics, food processing, transport equipment and general machinery. Takano explained that Japanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have long contributed to Malaysia's manufacturing sector and continue to evolve with the changing economic landscape. He expressed optimism that extending local SME support schemes to Japanese SMEs could further strengthen their resilience and integration. TVET reform a shared challenge In addressing workforce development, JETRO acknowledged the Malaysian government's efforts through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) reforms as Japan also faces similar labour challenges and is responding by promoting robotics, artificial intelligence and strategic foreign workforce integration. He emphasised that these shared challenges require long-term commitment, continuous dialogue and policy coordination. "Malaysia's Look East Policy has played a key role in fostering bilateral understanding, with more than 28,000 Malaysians having studied in Japan to date. "Collaboration in education also continues through institutions such as the Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology and the University of Tsukuba Malaysia," he noted.
Sharjah 24
19-06-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
Invest in Sharjah hosts business seminar in Tokyo
The seminar is organised in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO). It is part of the entity's 4-day visit to Japan from June 18 to 21, during which the Invest in Sharjah delegates are meeting with officials from Tokyo's and Osaka's chambers of commerce and innovation, as well as senior executives from Japan's leading corporations. Visit explores opportunities to merge Emirati and Japanese expertise in key sectors During its visit, the Invest in Sharjah delegates are holding meetings in Tokyo and Osaka with Creww, which supports the growth of entrepreneurs through a smart platform, and with Plug and Play Japan, a company specialized in driving innovation within large organizations to help them thrive in a fast-changing business landscape. Discussions focus on potential joint projects, and enabling access to Japanese financing models. Commenting on the visit, H.E. Mohamed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO of Invest in Sharjah, said: 'Our visit reaffirms Sharjah's continued commitment to fostering strategic partnerships in future-focussed sectors with the world's leading economies. We regard Japan as a vital partner in our efforts to advance a more sustainable and innovation-driven global economy.' He added: 'The Discover Sharjah seminar enables us to discover new prospects for collaboration in technology, and advanced manufacturing. It also allows us a closer look into Japanese innovation ecosystems and business accelerators. We are confident that as we continue to align the new and emerging strengths within Sharjah's and Japan's business environments, we will build on our robust foundation of cooperation with long-term projects and strategic investments.' Forum spotlights Sharjah as a leading gateway for sustainable investment in Asia The seminar highlights the strategic advantages of investing in Sharjah's free zones, which offer competitive incentives aimed at attracting investment across key sectors. Discussions highlight significant prospects for collaboration in innovation, technology and the development of advanced technology industries. Participants are also exploring strategies to streamline licensing processes and facilitate the flow of capital within a stable and business-friendly environment that promotes sustainability and long-term growth. A legacy of cooperation The visit is a testament to the longstanding relations between the UAE and Japan, which began with the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972 and have been further strengthened by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Sharjah remains a preferred destination for Japanese investors and businesses. In 2024, trade between Japan and Sharjah reached AED 1.035 billion, with 90 Japanese companies operating in Sharjah's free zones and 19 on the mainland. Bilateral non-oil trade between the UAE and Japan exceeded $17.7 billion during the same period. Invest in Sharjah is dedicated to enhancing the emirate's global investment status. It organizes business seminars in key cities worldwide and within Sharjah, offering a platform for investors, officials, and private sector partners to explore opportunities, review projects, foster partnerships, and exchange insights on government initiatives and legislative updates, driving economic growth and strengthening international relations.
Economic Times
29-05-2025
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Maruti, Japanese trade body to facilitate business opportunities for startups from India, Japan
Agencies Under the agreement, Indian startups will be supported in accessing the Japanese startup and innovation ecosystem, while Japanese startups will be given the opportunity to engage with the Indian ecosystem. Maruti Suzuki India on Thursday said it has inked a pact with the Japan External Trade Organisation to promote innovation and facilitate business opportunities for startups from India and Japan. As per a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Maruti Suzuki and Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) will collaborate to support startups based in India to access the startup and innovation ecosystem of Japan, similarly, startups based in Japan will get an opportunity to access the startup and innovation ecosystem of India. In addition, the automaker and JETRO will work with each other to facilitate the participation and networking of startups in appropriate activities or events, connecting them with relevant partners, the company said in a statement. "We see great potential in Indian startups, and with this MoU with JETRO, we will be able to provide a platform for these promising startups to explore the Japanese business landscape," Maruti Suzuki India MD and CEO Hisashi Takeuchi said. JETRO India Chief Director General Takashi Suzuki said the MoU aims to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and further strengthen the deep-rooted ties between India and Japan.
Malay Mail
05-05-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
Malaysia's decarbonisation, healthcare sectors among key targets for Japanese company expansion, says trade body
KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 — Japanese companies are looking to expand in the decarbonisation, healthcare, innovation and service industries in Malaysia. Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) Kuala Lumpur managing director Koichi Takano said several companies have made firm commitments to invest for two years, beginning from this year. 'These include the establishment of engineering and operations services in the oil and gas, semiconductor and biotechnology sectors,' he told Bernama in an interview. With regard to the decarbonisation sector, he said momentum is expected to build up in view of the Asia Zero Emission Community (Azec) summit, hosted by Japan and Malaysia, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur later this year. Major Japanese companies that have participated in decarbonisation in Malaysia, according to Takano, include Mitsui & Co and others that are working on projects in various areas of decarbonisation in Malaysia, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen. 'The diffusion index of business sentiment of Japanese companies is steadily recovering. This is seen as a sign of trust in and expectations of a robust Malaysian economy,' Takano said. However, he noted, the tariff measures imposed by the United States have heightened uncertainty in the global economy, making the situation unpredictable. 'At this time of great global turmoil, expectations are growing for Malaysia's leadership as the Asean chair. 'Malaysia has already demonstrated its leadership on the tariff issue, holding discussions within Asean. We look forward to continued Malaysian leadership towards the stability and growth within the Asean region,' he added. According to Takano, Japan has been one of Malaysia's major investors, and more investments from Japan are expected for 2025. Japan is the fourth-largest foreign direct investor in Malaysia in the fourth quarter (4Q) of 2024 with RM102.02 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) secured compared to RM94.18 billion in 4Q 2023, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia. He pointed out that based on a survey on Japanese companies in Malaysia, business sentiment was negative in the second half of 2024 at -11.5 points, but it is expected to improve to -4.5 points in 2025. According to the survey conducted by Jetro and the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia (Jactim), the outlook remains uncertain due to cost pressures like minimum wage hikes, tax increases and subsidy cuts. The survey revealed high-value manufacturing and decarbonisation as being top growth sectors. Two hundred companies responded to the survey from January 22 to February 21, 2025. The survey also highlighted that the non-manufacturing sector faces high demand for advanced technology talent. 'Additionally, there is a strong demand for clarification of environment, social and governance (ESG)-related investments, expansion of tax incentives, and thorough advance notifications when regulatory changes occur,' it added. — Bernama
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Japanese companies keen to expand in various sectors in Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Japanese companies are looking to expand in the decarbonisation, healthcare, innovation and service industries in Malaysia. Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) Kuala Lumpur managing director Koichi Takano said several companies have made firm commitments to invest for two years, beginning from this year. "These include the establishment of engineering and operations services in the oil and gas, semiconductor and biotechnology sectors," he told Bernama in an interview. With regard to the decarbonisation sector, he said momentum is expected to build up in view of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) summit, hosted by Japan and Malaysia, which will be held in Kuala Lumpur later this year. Major Japanese companies that have participated in decarbonisation in Malaysia, according to Takano, include Mitsui & Co and others that are working on projects in various areas of decarbonisation in Malaysia, such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen. "The diffusion index of business sentiment of Japanese companies is steadily recovering. This is seen as a sign of trust in and expectations of a robust Malaysian economy," Takano said. However, he noted, the tariff measures imposed by the US have heightened uncertainty in the global economy, making the situation unpredictable. "At this time of great global turmoil, expectations are growing for Malaysia's leadership as the ASEAN chair. "Malaysia has already demonstrated its leadership on the tariff issue, holding discussions within ASEAN. We look forward to continued Malaysian leadership towards the stability and growth within the ASEAN region," he added. According to Takano, Japan has been one of Malaysia's major investors, and more investments from Japan are expected for 2025. Japan is the fourth-largest foreign direct investor in Malaysia in the fourth quarter (4Q) of 2024 with RM102.02 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) secured compared to RM94.18 billion in 4Q 2023, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia. He pointed out that based on a survey on Japanese companies in Malaysia, business sentiment was negative in the second half of 2024 at minus 11.5 points, but it is expected to improve to minus 4.5 points in 2025. According to the survey conducted by Jetro and the Japanese Chamber of Trade and Industry, Malaysia (Jactim), the outlook remains uncertain due to cost pressures like minimum wage hikes, tax increases and subsidy cuts. The survey revealed high-value manufacturing and decarbonisation as being top growth sectors. Two hundred companies responded to the survey from Jan 22 to Feb 21, 2025. The survey also highlighted that the non-manufacturing sector faces high demand for advanced technology talent. "Additionally, there is a strong demand for clarification of environment, social and governance (ESG)-related investments, expansion of tax incentives, and thorough advance notifications when regulatory changes occur," it added.
