CHICAGO, July 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has announced the latest of its business-to-business missions to Japan, this one supporting collaboration between North American and Japanese biotechnology industries. Representatives from business, academia and government on both sides of the Pacific will come face-to-face to explore partnership opportunities during the bio-mission to Yokohama, Japan, September 4 through 10.
During the BioMission, JETRO will provide companies and organizations with opportunities to forge strong connections within Japan’s biotechnology sector. Mission activities include participation in BioJapan 2005, one of Asia’s largest biotechnology trade shows, as well as the BioLink Forum 2005, a day- long event where companies will gain insights on recent trends in the biotechnology sector during sessions led by industry experts and analysts.
More than 100 companies joined the inaugural BioMission to Japan in 2004, learning of the market, meeting with potential partners, and for many, doing deals and realizing their goal of expanding to Japan. The networking opportunities and business meetings from the 2004 BioMission has already led to solid business results for many.
“Japan’s growing biotechnology market has made it very attractive for U.S. companies seeking expansion and partnership. Japanese biotech and pharmaceutical businesses have demonstrated a strong interest in meeting with companies traveling with JETRO bio-missions,” commented Takashi Tsuchiya, Chief Executive Director of JETRO’s Chicago office. “We expect that companies participating in this latest mission will experience an unprecedented introduction to the Japanese market, leading to successful business development.”
Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, chemicals and agri-bio form the cornerstones of the Japanese market, and North American companies and organizations are increasingly seeking ways to expand their presence as Japan’s market continues to grow. New business practices in Japan, such as a shift from out-licensing to independent sales, increased M&A activity, and a quicker drug approval process have opened the way for new collaborations.
JETRO is subsidizing conference fees and expenses to provide mission programming free of charge to mission members. Program includes: BioLink Forum participation; BioJapan 2005 admission; business matching; along with additional networking opportunities. JETRO is arranging one-on-one meetings between mission members and Japanese companies, however space is limited.
Application deadline for companies wishing to arrange one-on-one meetings in Japan is Wednesday, July 20, 2005. The cost of this mission is $905 US, excluding airfare. Mission space is limited. Those interested in participating should contact Kelly Denewellis at 312-832-6000 ext. 203, or kelly_denewellis@jetro.go.jp. Additional information can be found at http://www.jetro.org/biomission2005.
About JETRO
JETRO has provided information and support to American companies entering the Japanese market for over 50 years. Through a local network of six offices in the United States, JETRO provides a wide-range of services, such as timely market intelligence, extensive business development support, and relevant business events, all designed to encourage business partnerships between American companies and Japan. For information visit http://www.jetro.org.
Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
CONTACT: Kelly Denewellis of JETRO, +1-312-832-6000 ext. 203,kelly_denewellis@jetro.go.jp, or Jerry Mayeroff of Mayeroff and Associates,+1-773-761-0868, jerry@mayeroff.com