Activities
Supplying Japan with foreign economic information
Keeping pace with an ever-changing global economy
With a global network that reaches every corner of the world, JETRO is in a unique position to research and analyze the world economy on a continuous basis. The organization is constantly disseminating timely information on industries, markets and trade/investment conditions throughout the world. As a result, Japanese companies can obtain a wealth of international economic information without ever leaving Japan.
Studying how free trade agreements affect corporate activities
Free trade agreements (FTAs) are playing an increasingly integral role in the development of the world economy, with 143 FTAs in place as of July 2007. Japan is also actively pursuing FTAs and their broader form, economic partnership agreements (EPAs), which cover trade liberalization and extend to other areas. As of June 2008, Japan has EPAs in place with Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore and Thailand. Furthermore, Japan has reached basic agreements on EPAs with Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines and also ASEAN as a whole. In view of the growing number of trade agreements worldwide, JETRO conducts an annual survey that examines the latest FTAs/EPAs and studies how they relate to WTO rules. The survey also looks at strategies Japanese companies are employing to respond to these new agreements. Based on accumulated survey results, JETRO published the "FTA Guidebook 2007" (in Japanese) in June 2007 that analyzes how FTAs are affecting Japanese companies.
Providing trade and investment information through a variety of channels
Information and analysis from JETRO is communicated nationwide and throughout the world through a variety of channels, including publications (some in Japanese only) such as the JETRO Daily "Tsusho Kouhou" (via e-mail magazine and web news), the Food and Agriculture Weekly, the monthly JETRO SENSOR, and the annual Agro-Trade Handbook and the JETRO White Paper on International Trade and Investment. Businesspeople can also access the JETRO website, which contains extensive data on economic conditions in individual countries as well as trade & investment systems, or register to receive free e-mail newsletters to keep up with the latest global business trends.
Offering expert consultation
JETRO domestic offices offer trade and investment consultation services for businesses, trade associations and individuals. The subject matter can vary greatly, from simply providing a set of trade statistics to advising on specific procedures or strategies for exporting, importing or investing overseas. Individuals are welcome to make inquiries by telephone, fax or e-mail, or visit any JETRO office.
Expanding business opportunities in East Asia, India, Russia and Central & Eastern Europe
With the emergence of a middle-class in East Asia, an increasing number of Japanese firms are eyeing the region not only as a production base for exporting to world markets, but also as a high potential growth area. In addition to markets in East Asia (namely ASEAN and China), Japanese companies are also increasing their interest in India, and see huge new opportunities in Russia and countries in Central & Eastern Europe. American and European companies are also increasing their presence in these markets, and adding to the competition Japanese firms are facing. In view of this, JETRO conducts surveys of American and European firms operating in China, India and Russia, to examine the strategies these firms are employing and to understand how their presence is affecting Japanese firms also competing in these countries.
Private consumption in East Asia
Note: Figures are nominal value
Source: Prepared by JETRO from Asian Development Bank, Key Indicators 2007
Free trade agreements lead to new business opportunities
Against the backdrop of an increasing number of bilateral and multilateral FTAs and EPAs in East Asia, Japanese companies are reviewing their business strategies for the region and seeking ways to further maximize the production and procurement network they built in the region. In light of this, JETRO devotes a section of its White Paper on International Trade and Investment to the move in the region towards economic integration.A focal point of the 2007 White Paper was "Searching for the Growth Strategy for Japan in the Growing Momentum in Asian FTAs".
East Asian FTAs involving ASEAN
