As Belgium continues to bolster its relationship with Japan, key organizations such as the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Normec OWS, and Kobe University Brussels European Center (KUBEC) are playing pivotal roles in promoting trade, innovation, and academic exchange between the two nations. By gaining insights directly from representatives, we delve into their contributions and the significance of the Belgium-Japan partnership.
JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) has played a crucial role in facilitating trade and investment between Japan and Belgium. Aiko Yabunaka, Deputy Director General of JETRO Brussels, highlighted the historical significance of their Belgium office, established in 1955. Yabunaka stated, “We understood the importance of Belgium’s historical relationship and its position as a central hub for collecting information for the European market. Therefore, JETRO’s Belgium office is the oldest office in Europe.”
We understood the importance of Belgium’s historical relationship and its position as a central hub for collecting information for the European market. Therefore, JETRO’s Belgium office is the oldest office in Europe.
Aiko Yabunaka, Deputy Director General of JETRO Brussels
Yabunaka emphasized JETRO’s mission as a bridge between Japanese producers and local consumers, enabling Japanese companies to smoothly enter the European market. This partnership has yielded fruitful results, with approximately 230 Japanese companies currently operating in Belgium and around 5,800 Japanese residents.
“Companies like AGC, Honda, and Toyota have historical investments in Belgium. Recent investments include Daikin’s R&D center in Ghent University’s Science Park, Takeda Pharmaceutical’s investment in plasma treatment for rare diseases, and Nippon Express’s logistics and Yusen Logistics operations for the medical industry,” she shared.
Normec OWS, an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, has been assessing biodegradability, compostability, and ecotoxicity since 1988. Bruno De Wilde, Managing Director of Business Development at Normec OWS, emphasized their long-standing partnership with Japan, stating, “DJK visited our lab several times to learn more about the tests performed. In 2022, we celebrated our 300th project together.”
In the academic sphere, KUBEC has played a vital role in fostering collaboration between Kobe University and European institutions. Professor Kazuko Iwamoto, Director of KUBEC, highlighted the university’s active involvement in academic and student exchanges, as well as study tours with Belgian universities.
“One of the activities that KUBEC will carry out this year is the planning of the EURAXESS event in Japan,” shared Iwamoto. EURAXESS Japan is one of the European Commission’s initiatives to link researchers from Japan with Europe.
The Belgium-Japan partnership continues to flourish through the efforts of organizations like JETRO, Normec OWS, and KUBEC. Their endeavors strengthen trade, innovation, and academic exchange between the two nations, creating a mutually beneficial relationship for both Belgium and Japan.
With these dedicated organizations at the forefront, the future of the Belgium-Japan partnership looks bright, fostering growth and prosperity in both countries.
For more information:
JETRO: www.jetro.go.jp/belgium
Normec OWS: normecows.com
KUBEC: www.office.kobe-u.ac.jp
EURAXESS: euraxess.ec.europa.eu
