Investing in Japan
Investment News
Jul. 25, 2008
South Korean Construction Design Company, DARF, Enters Nagoya Market
DARF Group
, a South Korean construction design company, established a Japan affiliate (DARF Japan) in the city of Nagoya, and announced plans to open for business in August 2008. The firm designs residential housing, commercial offices and facilities, and also interiors, mainly in Seoul, South Korea. Before establishing its Japan arm, the company was involved in the design of a spa facility in Gifu prefecture, a combined Japanese spa-Korean sauna (or jim jil bang) resort, which opened in 2007. DARF Japan will begin its activities by being involved in the design and construction of additional jim jil bang facilities, and expects to reduce construction costs by importing building materials from South Korea.
DARF made use of JETRO's Invest Japan Business Support Center (IBSC) in Nagoya to set-up its business, utilizing free temporary office facilities and getting information on regional government subsidies as well as help arranging press conferences. The firm also received special support from the IBSC and the city of Nagoya*.
*Regional Japanese governments can apply for special support from JETRO to attract foreign firms to their local markets (e.g., costs for interpretation and translation services, legal and accounting expert fees, representation for various official procedures, introduction of real estate agents, and introduction of employees).
