Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO’s core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential.
Bridges spoke with Masakazu Takahashi, President Director of JETRO Jakarta, Japan External Trade Organization about the Japan – Indonesia connection.
Bridges: Having spent a significant amount of time in Indonesia, what are some of your favourite things about the country, the culture and the people?
Takahashi: What I like about Indonesia is that it is changing and developing rapidly. With its diverse cultures, people and nature, it is a place that is constantly changing and adopting new things.
JETRO Jakarta plays an important role in bringing Japan and Indonesia together. What are some of the recent activities/events you have been involved in?
For Japanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and start-up companies, we are creating more business opportunities by supporting their participation in exhibitions, holding business meetings and dispatching buyers.
In particular, we have recently published a business catalogue that introduces the various decarbonization businesses of many Japanese companies. We are promoting business matching with the companies listed in the catalogue.
Indonesia can be a challenging market for businesses. What are some of the challenges being faced by Japanese companies and how does JETRO Jakarta help?
Many Japanese companies in Indonesia are facing challenges in relation to the government’s often unpredictable policy management and complicated tax and taxation procedures.
JETRO, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan and the Jakarta Japan Club (Chamber of Commerce and Industry), has had policy dialogues and made proposals to the Indonesian government regarding the challenges that Japanese companies face, in order to create a more business-friendly environment.
Masakazu Takahashi, President Director of JETRO Jakarta, Japan External Trade Organization
JETRO, in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan and the Jakarta Japan Club (Chamber of Commerce and Industry), has had policy dialogues and made proposals to the Indonesian government regarding the challenges that Japanese companies face, in order to create a more business-friendly environment.
In 2024, what are some of your goals for JETRO Jakarta and what activities do you have planned?
This year we look forward to focusing on the following three areas;
- Support for small and medium-sized enterprises and start-up companies
- Promotion of agricultural and fishery product exports
- Support for decarbonization businesses
JETRO Jakarta, Japan External Trade Organization
Summitmas 1, 6th Floor
Jl. Jend Sudirman Kav 61-62 Jakarta 12190
www.jetro.go.jp/en
