JETRO Unveils 'INVEST JAPAN!' Website; Provides Comprehensive Information Resources for Foreign Investors
NEW YORK -- October 22, 2001
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has created a new "one-stop-shopping" website called "INVEST JAPAN!" (http://www.investjapan.org) for foreign companies interested in learning more about direct investment opportunities in the world's second largest economy.

This site provides a wide range of essential information, including up-to-date data on regulatory reform, market statistics and Japan's various regions.

Despite its slow economy, Japan has been attracting considerable interest from overseas investors in recent years. Foreign direct investment reached a record $28.3 billion in fiscal year 2000-- over five times the level in 1997. Moreover, the Japanese government is keenly aware of the importance of foreign direct investment. To facilitate these transactions, it has been actively initiating reforms to promote M&A and to accelerate deregulation in key sectors of the economy.

JETRO, a government-supported organization dedicated to promoting mutually beneficial trade and economic relations between Japan and other nations, plays an important role in Japan's investment promotion activities. In addition to reflecting JETRO's broad expertise and knowledge regarding investment in Japan, INVEST JAPAN! outlines and provides access to the wide range of free services that JETRO offers to overseas investors..

Special features of the INVEST JAPAN! website include:
    A cost simulation model to help estimate the start-up cost of establishing a new operation in Japan.
    A monthly feature on foreign firms that have established operations in Japan, describing their motives, difficulties they may have faced, and how they overcame them.
    A section highlighting regional investment incentives, cost comparisons, and overviews of each locality's transportation infrastructure.
    Detailed information regarding regulations on establishing new enterprises, presented in an easy-to-understand Q&A format
    Links to useful government and private sector information sources on investing in Japan

INVEST JAPAN! has been developed to offer foreign investors the most comprehensive data that is currently available on investing in Japan", noted Ken Katayama, Director of Public Relations at JETRO New York. "We welcome suggestions and comments as well as inquiries from information providers who might benefit from links to this content.
-- CONTACT: JETRO New York
Hidehiko Nishiyama, 212/997-0416
Fax: 212/997-0464
nishiyamah@jetro.go.jp
or
KWR International, Inc., New York
Keith W. Rabin, 212/532-3005
Fax: 212/799-0517
krabin@kwrintl.com





This material is published and disseminated by JETRO New York, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 in coordination with KWR International, Inc 140 West End Avenue, New York, New York 10023, Tel: 212 532-3005, Fax: 212-799-0517, E-mail: kwrintl@kwrintl.com. JETRO New York is registered as an agent of the Japan External Trade Organization, Tokyo, Japan and KWR International, Inc. is registered on behalf of JETRO New York. This material is filed with the Department of Justice where the required registration statement is available for public viewing.














JETRO: 300+ Participants Attend Japanese Foreign Direct Investment and Corporate Reform Seminar -- Presentation Materials Available on Internet Site
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 2001
Over 300 investors, executives, financial and service professionals, journalists and other interested individuals gathered in New York City on April 25, 2001 to hear from leading experts on Japan's changing investment and corporate environment.
A complete program summary, as well as presentation and background materials, can be obtained at the seminar web site, which is located at http://64.177.178.249/fdiseminar/.
This event was organized by The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), U.S. Department of State, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and The Conference Board. Additional support was provided by the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, U.S.-Japan Business Council and the Japan-U.S. Business Council.

"As perpetual and struggling students of Japan, our firm values any and all perspectives on the dynamics of country risk there" noted Mr. Carl Adams, Global Manager of Country Risk, Merrill Lynch. "We therefore welcomed this opportunity to hear from, and meet with, such a wide range of the policymakers and private sector leaders who are driving many of the policy changes, reforms and other trends that are helping to enhance the competitiveness of Japan's FDI and corporate environment."

Mr. Norihisa Nakura, Executive Vice President and Director, Mitsubishi International Corporation commented "Only several years ago Japan tended to view foreign investment in a cautionary manner, yet we have now come to value the many ways it strengthens our national economy. I was therefore very pleased to see so many U.S. investors and executives at this event in order that they might come to better understand the many opportunities that are arising in our country as a result of these and other changes."
-- CONTACT: JETRO New York
Hidehiko Nishiyama, 212/997-0416
Fax: 212/997-0464
nishiyamah@jetro.go.jp
or
KWR International, Inc., New York
Keith W. Rabin, 212/532-3005
Fax: 212/799-0517
krabin@kwrintl.com





This material is published and disseminated by JETRO New York, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 in coordination with KWR International, Inc 140 West End Avenue, New York, New York 10023, Tel: 212 532-3005, Fax: 212-799-0517, E-mail: kwrintl@kwrintl.com. JETRO New York is registered as an agent of the Japan External Trade Organization, Tokyo, Japan and KWR International, Inc. is registered on behalf of JETRO New York. This material is filed with the Department of Justice where the required registration statement is available for public viewing.
















Growth in Foreign Direct Investment Creates Exciting Investment Opportunities in Japan --
NYC Seminar, April 25, 2001
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 20, 2001
The Japan External Trade Organization New York (JETRO NY) released a newsletter today analyzing foreign direct investment (FDI) in Japan.
It can be viewed at: http://www.jetro.org/newyork/focusnewsletter/focus14.html.

JETRO also invites investors, executives, journalists and other interested individuals to hear from leading experts on this topic at a seminar which will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel (111 E. 48th St.) in NYC on April 25, 2001. This event will be held without charge for qualified individuals. Registration will begin at 8:00 A.M. and it will conclude at 1:45 P.M. following a luncheon session.

Support will be provided by the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, U.S.-Japan Business Council and the Japan-U.S. Business Council. A detailed agenda can be obtained by clicking HERE.

The Critical Importance of FDI in Japan

In recent years there has been a growing realization of the important role that FDI plays in strengthening Japan's domestic economy. It introduces competition, promotes efficiencies and corporate rationalization and helps to restructure the Japanese economy for maximum benefit to investors, consumers and other stakeholders. It also minimizes the threat of rising unemployment.

The Success of Japan's Ongoing Structural Reform Program

Japan's first ``Action Plan'', adopted in 1997, achieved reforms to: enhance corporate competitiveness; promote small and medium enterprises, start-ups and use of venture capital; help initiate an IT revolution; introduce more labor flexibility; and reduce the cost of doing business in Japan.

Building on the success of this first initiative, a second "Action Plan for New Economic Growth'' was adopted in December, 2000. It promises to achieve reforms to: enhance creative economic activities and new business development; promote labor flexibility; maximize productivity; address the aging of Japanese society; and problem arising as a result of non-performing loans.

Seminar on Japan's Changing FDI and Corporate Environment

During their recent summit meeting, Prime Minister Mori and President Bush emphasized the importance of FDI, regulatory reform and restructuring. Based on this recognition, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), U.S. Department of State, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and the Conference Board will sponsor a public symposium on April 25, 2001. This event will offer an opportunity to brief business leaders on the implications of these trends and to encourage the public-private sector dialogue needed to enhance Japan's attractiveness as a destination for foreign direct investment.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, U.S.-Japan Business Council and Japan-U.S. Business Council will provide support and speakers from the public and private sector -- including numerous Japanese government ministries and related organizations -- will be in attendance.

Japan Offers Many Attractive Benefits to Foreign Firms and Investors

FDI inflows into Japan have increased significantly in recent years -- rising from 360 billion yen in FY 1993 to 2,400 billion yen in FY 1999 -- an increase of over 700%. This trend has continued to accelerate and in the first eleven months of FY2000, FDI inflows have grown to 2,900 billion yen. M&A transactions have also grown substantially, from 531 transactions in 1995 to 1,241 in 2000.

Major corporations including GE Capital, Renault, General Motors, AXA, Boehringer Ingelheim, Cable & Wireless, and DuPont have expanded their presence and foreign investment banks are making a more extensive commitment to Japan. Some of the advantages they have identified include:
-- World's Second Largest Economy: Japan has a population of more than 125 million and one of the highest per capita incomes in the world.
-- Deregulation Already Well Underway: Major reforms are now creating exciting commercial opportunities in a wide range of industrial and service sectors.
-- Test Market and R&D Center: Japan is a valuable reference market, where companies can conduct research, introduce new products and observe emerging consumer trends.





Focus is published and disseminated by JETRO New York, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 in coordination with KWR International, Inc. 461 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016, Tel: 212-532-3005, Fax: 212-532-3345, E-mail: kwrintl@kwrintl.com. JETRO New York is registered as an agent of the Japan External Trade Organization, Tokyo, Japan and KWR International, Inc. is registered on behalf of JETRO New York. This material is filed with the Department of Justice where the required registration statement is available for public viewing.















JETRO: Japanese and U.S. Governments Promote Discussion on "Japan's Changing Foreign Direct Investment and Corporate Environment" in New York City on April 25, 2001
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 16, 2001
Assignment/Business/Financial/Technology/Government Editors
The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), U.S. Department of State, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and The Conference Board invite internationally-focused investors, executives, financial and service professionals, journalists and other interested individuals to hear from leading experts on Japan's changing investment and corporate environment at the Intercontinental Hotel (111 E. 48th St.) in New York City on April 25, 2001.

Support will also be provided by the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, U.S.-Japan Business Council and the Japan-U.S. Business Council. In addition to the information posted below, a more detailed agenda can be obtained at the seminar web site, which is located at http://64.177.178.249/fdiseminar/.

This event will be held without charge for qualified individuals. Registration will begin at 8:00 A.M. and it will conclude at 1:45 P.M. following a luncheon session.

Participants will also be invited to attend a reception hosted by Japanese Ambassador and Consul General Takekazu Kawamura on the evening of April 24, 2001 and opportunities will be provided to accredited journalists who have an interest in interviewing speakers and other officials in attendance.
Speakers will include:
OPENING REMARKS:
Ambassador Alan Larson, Undersecretary for Economics, Business, and Agricultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Mr. Hidehiro Konno, Vice Minister for International Affairs, METI
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
Mr. C. Michael Armstrong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AT&T and Chairman of the US-Japan Business Council
Mr. Minoru Makihara, Chairman, Mitsubishi Corporation and Chairman of the Japan-US Business Council
PANEL DISCUSSION SPEAKERS:
Dr. Kenneth S. Courtis, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs and Vice Chairman, Goldman Sachs Asia
Mr. Robert Grondine, Partner, White & Case LLP Tokyo and President, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Mr. Kiyoto Ido, Minister (Financial), Embassy of Japan and Ministry of Finance, Washington
Ms. Noriko Iki, Director, Public Employmnt Service Division, Employment Security Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
Mr. Yoshinobu Nisaka, Deputy Director-General, Trade Policy Bureau, METI
Mr. Toshiyuki Ohto, Director for Corporate Accounting & Disclosures, Planning & Coordination Bureau, Financial Services Agency
Mr. Masamitsu Shiseki, Counsellor, Civil Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice
Mr. Hideyuki Suzuki, General Mgr., Planning & Development Dept., Pension Fund Associations & Ministry of Health, Labor & Welfare
Mr. Hidefumi Yamagami, General Manager and Chief Economist, Research Office, The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi, Ltd.
PANEL MODERATORS:
Mr. Arthur Mitchell, Partner, Coudert Brothers, LLP
Mr. Richard Katz, Senior Editor, Oriental Economist Report
CLOSING REMARKS:
Mr. Noboru Hatakeyama, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
"With regard to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Japan, I would like to mention that the Japanese and the U.S. governments are working together to organize this symposium in New York", noted Mr. Takeo Hiranuma, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. "We are confident this joint effort
will be an important milestone toward strengthening a win-win relationship between our two countries in the age of the new economy."

Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Alan Larson said "promoting foreign direct investment in Japan is a high priority for the U.S. Government. FDI contributes to Japanese economic growth, job creation, and formation of new companies. That is good for commercial cooperation between Japan and the U.S. And it is a key vehicle for U.S. firms to increase their participation in Japan's economy and to boost our exports of goods and services. Our goal in jointly sponsoring this symposium is to get senior government officials directly together with business leaders, to talk about the key issues in reform in Japan."

Investors, executives, financial and service professionals, journalists and other interested individuals are invited to register or request additional information by forwarding a request to the contact indicated below.





This material is published and disseminated by JETRO New York, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 in coordination with KWR International, Inc 140 West End Avenue, New York, New York 10023, Tel: 212 532-3005, Fax: 212-799-0517, E-mail: kwrintl@kwrintl.com. JETRO New York is registered as an agent of the Japan External Trade Organization, Tokyo, Japan and KWR International, Inc. is registered on behalf of JETRO New York. This material is filed with the Department of Justice where the required registration statement is available for public viewing.















JETRO: Japanese and U.S. Governments to Co-Sponsor Seminar on "Japan's Changing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Corporate Environment" in New York City on April 25, 2001
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2001
Assignment/Business/Financial/Technology/Government Editors
The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), U.S. Department of State, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and The Conference Board invite internationally-focused investors, executives, financial and service professionals, journalists and other interested individuals to hear from leading experts on Japan's changing investment and corporate environment at the Intercontinental Hotel in New York City on April 25, 2001.

This event will be held without charge for qualified individuals. Registration will begin at 8:00 A.M. and it will conclude at 1:45 P.M. following a luncheon session. In addition, a press conference will be held at 2:00 P.M. for accredited journalists. Speakers will include:
Mr. Alan Larson, Undersecretary for Economics, Business, and Agricultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Mr. Iwao Matsuda, Senior Vice Minister, METI
Mr. C. Michael Armstrong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AT&T and Chairman of the US-Japan Business Council
Mr. Minoru Makihara, Chairman, Mitsubishi Corporation and Chairman of the Japan-US Business Council
Mr. Noboru Hatakeyama, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Dr. Kenneth S. Courtis, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs and Vice Chairman, Goldman Sachs Asia
Mr. Robert Grondine, Partner, White & Case LLP Tokyo and President, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan
Mr. Yoshinobu Nisaka, Deputy Director-General, Trade Policy Bureau, METI
Mr. Masamitsu Shiseki, Counsellor, Civil Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice
Mr. Arthur Mitchell, Attorney, Coudert Brothers, LLP
Mr. Richard Katz, Senior Editor, Oriental Economist Report
Officials representing the Japanese Ministry of Finance, Financial Services Agency and Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor will also deliver presentations
"Japan today is a significantly different country than only several years ago and the market is now far more open to U.S. and foreign business than ever before," noted Robert Grondine, Partner, White & Case LLP Tokyo and President, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan. "We expect to see even greater progress moving forward as a result of the many changes that are being made to Japan's corporate and regulatory environment."

Masutaro Urata, President of JETRO New York added "We are pleased to join together in New York with prominent U.S. and Japanese government officials, as well as leading business executives from both nations, to review the trends and opportunities that have been emerging as Japan continues to restructure and reform its economy." Investors, executives, financial and service professionals, journalists and other interested individuals are invited to register or request additional information by forwarding a request to the contact indicated below.





This material is published and disseminated by JETRO New York, 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020 in coordination with KWR International, Inc., 140 West End Avenue, New York, New York 10023, Tel: 212-532-3005, Fax: 212-799-0517, E-mail: kwrintl@kwrintl.com . JETRO New York is registered as an agent of the Japan External Trade Organization, Tokyo, Japan and KWR International, Inc. is registered on behalf of JETRO New York. This material is filed with the Department of Justice where the required registration statement is available for public viewing. CONTACT: KWR International, Inc. Keith W. Rabin Tel: 212/532-3005 Fax: 212/799-0517 E-mail: krabin@kwrintl.com