Japan Ministry of Economy

Mr. Naoyuki Haraoka's picture

Japanese Market Increasingly Attracts Asian Multinational Corporations

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Japan has been increasing recently, contradicting the belief Japan is a closed market. Per the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), total FDI for 2016 increased more than USD $30 billion over the prior year and 2016 represented the third consecutive yearly increase. Increased FDI from Asian multinational corporations (MNCs) has been noteworthy, recording a 16.7 percent jump over 2015.

Mr. Naoyuki Haraoka's picture

The Implications of the China-US Trade War Given the Growing Importance of Japanese Subsidiaries to Japanese MNCs

The latest Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) Statistical Survey on Japanese overseas subsidiaries published on September 26 revealed their sales, facility and equipment investment, and employment all achieved significantly high growth.

Mr. Naoyuki Haraoka's picture

SMEs Can Benefit from Globalization through Indirect Exports

Many anti-globalization activists doubt small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can profit from economic globalization given their competitive disadvantages versus multinational enterprises (MNEs). The good news for SMEs is that MNEs building global supply chains for products such as home electronics or electric appliances will need parts and components from SMEs to achieve competitiveness since many key components are made by SMEs.

MNCs in the News-2015-09-04

Chinese authorities impose penalties on Pfizer for problems relating to erection of Viagra displays. Mainland government policies like the Silk Road Initiative and other factors influence Taiwanese Electric and Electronic Manufacturer’s Association new rankings of favored mainland investment destinations. China Development Bank (CDB) intensifies funding for Chinese overseas investments, deeming the “timing for acquisition is very good.” China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation breaks ground on subway car factory in Springfield (USA). US will take action against Chinese individuals and companies involved in commercial espionage. Japanese companies worth with Japanese universities and government agencies to attract talented IT students, especially from India. Indonesia inward foreign direct investment (FDI) ranked highest among all Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members in the first semester of 2015. Indonesia finally opts to cancel its high-speed rail project disappointing Chinese and Japanese bidders. Foxconn balks at building electronics factory in Indonesia due to government unwillingness to provide free land. Thailand examines boosting incentives for investing in certain sectors in its special economic zones (SEZs). Vietnam draws increasing FDI in its processing and manufacturing sectors especially from Korea. Mongolian Minister negotiating deal over Tavan Tolgoi throws cold water on idea a deal will be struck soon. APEC creates fund to support open trade and investment in mining and sustainable mining.

MNCs in the News-2015-03-06

China’s draft counterterrorism law raises substantial concern among foreign companies. Foreign technology firms struggle to determine best way to defend their interests in China. Deputy Commissioner of State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) asserts China’s intellectual property laws are not used to discriminate against foreign technology businesses. Premier Li Keqiang proclaims China will significantly revise Foreign Investment Catalog to reduce foreign investment restrictions. American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai report indicates costs and operating challenges most concern foreign firms in China. Alibaba confronts penalties in Taiwan. Connecticut’s Attorney General investigates Lenovo’s pre-loading of Superfish software. Japan works to limit the power of Google. Japan moves to facilitate foreign investment with one-stop office. South Korean business and government leaders push multi-dimensional opportunities between the two countries. POSCO partners with Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund about possible automobile joint venture in Saudi Arabia.