07 November 2006
Japanese External Trade Organisation visits England's Northwest
The region's trade and investment links with the Japanese market were strengthened last week as the Japanese External Trade Organisation (JETRO), the body which works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world, visited the Northwest.
JETRO travelled to the region to host a seminar for Japanese businesses in the Northwest to raise awareness of recent changes in UK legislation and other key issues affecting Japanese companies operating in the UK.
Supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the Northwest Japanese Companies Association, the event was attended by a number of Northwest Japanese companies along with Ms Kaoru Hasegawa, the Senior Representative from the North of England Inward Investment Agency in Japan and Mr Ichiro Sasaki, the Chairman of the Northwest Japanese Companies Association and Managing Director of Brother UK.
Japan is a significant source of inward investment into the Northwest, with over 120 Japanese companies operating in the region. Through the North of England Investment Agency, which represents the NWDA in Japan, the Agency is working to develop closer working ties with Japan and encourage further investment into the region from this key market.
Mark Hughes, NWDA Executive Director of Enterprise, Innovation and Skills, said:
"Inward investment is a crucial economic driver for England's Northwest. The region gained 112 new investments in the last year alone, creating or safeguarding over 6,800 jobs, and so it is vital that we continue to build strong links with other countries and encourage further investment into our region.
Events such as this are important in strengthening and maintaining our relationships with key markets such as Japan, as well as providing important support and advice to the region's international companies, and the NWDA is pleased to provide its support."
Ends
Notes to Editors
JETRO is a government related organisation that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. As more Japanese companies expand their businesses overseas, JETRO - with a global network of over 70 offices in more than 50 countries - is positioned to help these companies develop activities in overseas markets.
For further information please contact Neil Roscoe, Senior Press Officer on 01925 400232 or 07980 713 282 or Neil.Roscoe@nwda.co.uk
For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) leads the economic development and regeneration of England"s Northwest and is responsible for:
• Supporting business growth and encouraging investment
• Matching skills provision to employer needs
• Creating the conditions for economic growth
• Connecting the region through effective transport and communication infrastructure
• Promoting the region's outstanding quality of life