Activities

In today's increasingly globalized economy, many Japanese firms, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are seeking growth opportunities in overseas markets. To support these smaller firms as they work to extend their global reach, JETRO conducts surveys of overseas markets and disseminates findings to interested parties, offers advice on business issues both in Japan and overseas, leads trade missions overseas and also helps SMEs participate in major international trade fairs abroad.

Experienced trade and investment advisors, hired from the private sector (trading companies, manufacturers, etc.), are posted to JETRO offices, including 36 in Japan and more than 70 overseas, to provide consultation and expert advice to Japanese firms already doing business abroad as well as those eyeing expansion.

JETRO works to support the growth of Japan's exports, with a special emphasis on five high potential industries: machines/equipment & parts; textiles (fashion, apparel); design (including regional traditional arts & crafts); foods and content. These areas were selected based on requests from industry and producer organizations.

Japan is a large net importer of agricultural, forestry and marine products, with exports in this category totaling 374 billion yen in 2006, versus over 7.4 trillion yen in imports (imports thus outweigh exports by a factor of 20).

This situation is expected to improve as growth and development continue in East Asia, where, as in many Western and Middle Eastern countries, the popularity of Japanese food items such as sushi continues to increase.

The Japanese government set a goal to boost the country's agricultural and fishery exports to 10 trillion yen by 2013. To help achieve this goal, JETRO offers support and assistance to manufacturers in this area who are seeking to expand overseas. Support activities include conducting surveys of export markets, supporting firms' participation in trade fairs and exhibitions and helping them connect with potential business partners overseas.

While global exports of clothing and textiles recorded strong growth in recent years, Japan lagged behind. Between 1995 and 2005, Japan's exports of clothing fell while the EU and China saw their exports (both textiles and clothing) rise sharply. To counter this, JETRO offers support to Japanese clothing and textile SMEs, through, for example, helping companies participate in trade fairs, offering exhibition know-how and also organizing seminars.