France-Japan host networking event in Johannesburg
Dec 13, 2016
The Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industries in South Africa (CCIJ) together with the French South African Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI) held a networking session in Johannesburg under the theme French-Japanese Partnerships in Southern Africa.
In October 2015, France’s Prime Minister visited Tokyo where a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between JETRO and Business France to cooperate in the development of Africa. The second leg of this seminar aimed to give life to the commitments made by the two countries in Tokyo.
The networking seminar was officially opened by the Japanese Ambassador to South Africa, Mr Shigeyuki Hiroki and was well attended by guests from the Embassies Japan and France, as well as members of the CCIJ and FSACCI .
During the event, both French and Japanese companies shared examples of their investments in South Africa in industries such as the automotive, transport and energy sectors.
“JETRO views these kinds of networking events as an opportunity to discuss ways in which foreign business collaborations can also contribute to the South African economy and offer value when trading with this great country,” JETRO Johannesburg Executive Director Hiroyuki Nemoto commented.
As an example of a successful French- Japan partnership, the Managing Director of Nissan Mr Mike Whitfield spoke of the advantages of these alliances which amongst others include the opportunity for technology sharing.
In the closing remarks, the Chargée d'Affaires at the French Embassy, Charlotte Montel said “I hope these strengthened links will lead to bigger support for businesses contributing to development in Africa and Southern Africa. I suggest that we build on this event to further strengthen in 2017 the economic relation between France and Japan.”
