For the first time ever, the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) and the Japan External Trade Organization (Jetro) have signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at supporting Thai companies that want to start a business in Japan.
The memorandum was signed by JSCCIB chairman Supant Mongkolsuthree and Jetro chairman and chief executive Hiroyuki Ishige.
Both bodies agreed Thai companies, recommended by the JSCCIB and jointly evaluated and approved by both bodies, would have the right to use the Invest Japan Business Support Center.
Support for eligible Thai companies means providing adequate information and help in setting up operational bases in Japan through the centre as well as offering Jetro's other services such as planning consultations with appropriate administrative bodies.
Some of the projects include organising visits and consultations by Jetro for potential investors to Japan, a joint seminar about the potential attractiveness of investment in Japan and a publication on current Japanese investment policy and the potential attractiveness of the Japanese market.
Businesses qualifying for support under the programme could include auto parts and real estate, particularly urban and resort hotels, Jetro officials said.