Jetro Madrid was founded with the aim of promoting Japanese exports to Spain. Currently, however, it performs many other functions. How would you summarize the programs it offers in Spain?
JETRO – the Japan External Trade Organization – is an agency established in 1.958 by the Japanese government to promote Japan's economic relations abroad, based on the harmonious development of trade. It currently has 80 offices in 58 countries, with JETRO Madrid serving as its office in Spain.
Indeed, initially, its main activity was focused on promoting Japanese exports; today, its activity has taken a 180-degree turn, carrying out the following actions:
1- Support for exports to the Japanese market: Import Promotion Programs:
Study programs on the Japanese market.
Sending experts to acquire and promote potentially interesting products in the Japanese market.
– Short-term sector experts: They visit Spain for periods of 2 to 3 weeks.
– Long-term expert: Based at ICEX headquarters in Madrid to advise Spanish exporters interested in the Japanese market and to search for new products.
Organization of trade missions (direct and reverse).
Availability of "Business Promotion Centers" in Japan for use, free of charge, for limited periods of time, by new exporters.
Sector-level promotional programs:
– Construction: Jetro Housing Material Centers.
– Housing: Import Housing Exhibition.
– Automobile: Imported Automobile Showroom.
– Trade Fairs for the Promotion of Imports at the sector level.
Business databases and contacts via the Internet (www.jetro.go.jp)
– Potential Importers.
– TTPP. Trade Tie-up Promotion Program.
2- Promotion of investment and technological cooperation, in both directions.
For companies interested in investing in Japan, we offer free advice.
3- Information and consultation services on economic relations with Japan.
4- Publications on the economy, the market and relations with Japan.
– Within the Export Support Program, you have a specialized advisor on the subject, what is their role?
Indeed, by virtue of an agreement we have signed with the State Secretariat for Trade, we have an export advisor to Japan located at ICEX, whose stay usually lasts around 3 years, fully financed by Jetro and whose functions are summarized as follows:
1- Advise Spanish companies interested in exporting their products to Japan.
2- Search for products that are potentially interesting for the Japanese market.
3- Presentation of the selected products, through the magazine «Import Business News», to Japanese importers.
Before entering the Japanese market, the suitability of the product must be studied.
– So far, what has been the response of Spanish companies in terms of exports to Japan?
Reasonably good, considering that the Spanish company's sales priorities are generally focused, first and foremost, on the countries of the European Union, secondly on North and South America, and thirdly on Asia. And, in the case of Japan, there are many who fear its high standards regarding quality and the communication difficulties.
But it must also be said that, in the last decade, significant progress has been made, as reflected in the statistics. In 1.992, according to our own data, imports of Spanish products totaled $771,6 million, and last year, although we don't yet have the figures, they are estimated to be around $1.500 billion. And, more importantly, while in 1.992 the most significant category was primary fish products, which accounted for a large percentage, today Spain's sales to Japan are highly diversified, with automobiles being the leading export.
– How should an export process to Japan be initiated?
The paths can be very diverse. But there is one thing we would advise anyone wishing to establish solid business relationships with our country to do: first and foremost, thoroughly study the suitability of your product for the Japanese market. In other words, determine if your product, in terms of price, quality, presentation, etc., can be in demand by Japanese consumers—if it can pique their interest.
To do this, they should first get information from our Madrid office, where we have almost a hundred market studies available, as well as tariffs and all kinds of regulations, and also from other offices such as ICEX, Chambers of Commerce, sector associations, etc.
There are many different types of companies that can access the Japanese market. The first group consists of the nine large trading companies such as Mitsui, Mitsubishi, and Sumitomo, all of which have offices in Spain. Then there are smaller trading companies specializing in a specific product line, import agents, local manufacturers interested in importing foreign products, trade associations, and so on.
In our office, we can provide you with addresses, and through the Jetro website we have established a program called "TTPP. Trade Tie-up Promotion Program" in which Japanese and foreign companies can undertake all kinds of relationships, protected by Jetro's confidentiality.
– What are the advantages of investing in that country? Are there any drawbacks or obstacles to consider?
A presence in the Japanese market offers numerous advantages for Spanish companies. First, it provides access to a potential market of 127 million inhabitants, with an average per capita income of around €41.000. Second, it compels them to maintain world-class standards in both process and product technologies, as this is the only way to be competitive in a market as demanding as Japan. And third, a presence in the Japanese market serves as an excellent calling card and gateway to the broader Southeast Asian markets, as well as to the United States and other developed countries, which are well aware of the high standards of the Japanese market.
As for drawbacks or obstacles to consider, there are really few; it is a liberalized market with very low tariffs, and if anything, I would mention the high price level that requires careful consideration of any transaction.
– During the “III Forum on the Internationalization of Murcian Companies”, Jetro Madrid will give a presentation on the aid available to Spanish exporters to do business in Japan. What will be the main points covered?
Our participation in this Forum will have two parts. In the first, we will offer an institutional greeting on behalf of JETRO, explaining its functions and activities. In the second part, we will review the characteristics of the Japanese market, its import and distribution systems, as well as current commercial practices. We will conclude with an overview of all the import promotion programs that JETRO currently has in effect, which were detailed in the first question.
Any questions about this news?
Talk to Coexia, the AI of the foreign trade
International business service providers
Moldtrans
Grupo Moldtrans is a comprehensive logistics operator with extensive experience in land, air and sea transport.read more...
FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world's largest express transportation company. It offers a shipping service.read more...
AROLA
AROLA, through its various business areas, offers a comprehensive and customized logistics service.read more...
Pantoja Logistics Group
Pantoja Grupo Logístico is a 360° operator with 100% Spanish capital and family origins.read more...
DHL Express
DHL is the world leader in the logistics sector. DHL's divisions offer a portfolio of...read more...