Events > Trading with Japan - What does the new Free Trade Agreement mean for your business?

Trading with Japan - What does the new Free Trade Agreement mean for your business?

15/06/2021 09:00-10:15

Microsoft Teams

Are you looking for new markets for your products and/or services? Have the events of the last 12 months made you rethink your sales strategy and are you considering growing your overseas business?

Join the Department for International Trade (DIT) North East and DIT Japan for an in-depth briefing session, discussing the Free Trade Agreement and what it means for North East businesses looking to expand in this market.

The UK has recently signed a Free Trade Agreement with Japan offering UK businesses the opportunity to capitalise on new opportunities, streamlining market entry and making “doing” business easier.

But how much do you know about this key export market?

It is the third largest economy after the US and China
It is possible to set up a business in Japan in two weeks
You can establish profitable business there in 3-5 years
It is globally connected with 20 ports and 5 international airports

What does this mean for North East businesses?

All UK businesses benefit from a tariff-free trade on 99% of exports and there are opportunities across many sectors including:

Financial and Professional Services
Food & Drink
Digital Services
Smart Manufacturing
Technology
Life Sciences
Renewable Energy

With a history of technological innovation, digital excellence, achievements in life sciences and a strong food and drink and retail offer, North East businesses are in a strong position to take advantage of the new trading relationship.

Why attend?

Gain insight into the Japanese market from in-market experts
Hear from leading figures from North East companies who have found success in Japan and find out how they did it
Learn about the full range of support and information available from DIT to help you with your export plans

This is a great opportunity to find out more about the opportunities available within this market and how your business can benefit from trading in Japan.

09:00 - 09:05	Welcome and Introductions – Sue Beverley, International Trade Advisor, Department for International Trade (DIT)
09:05 - 09:35	Market overview and FTA opportunities – Marie-Claire Joyce, Head of Trade, British Embassy Tokyo and Akiko Okamoto, Senior Trade Adviser, Department for International Trade
09:35 - 10:00	Panel discussion with Dr Arnab Basu, Kromek Group, Dai Hayward, Micropore Technologies and Keith Miller, Miller UK Ltd
10:00 - 10:05	DIT Support and next steps
10:05 - 10:15	Q&A Close

0	SPEAKERS

	Dr Arnab Basu MBE Chief Executive Officer Kromek Group Kromek is a leading developer of high-performance radiation detection solutions, originally founded 17 years ago as a spinout from Durham University. The company designs, develops and produces x-ray and gamma-ray imaging and radiation detection products for the medical, nuclear and security screening markets. Kromek has 116 employees in the UK and USA and has been exporting since it began. Its first contract was providing specialist materials for the European Space Agency in 2005. Exports make up 90% of Kromek’s turnover and its main markets are North America, Europe and Asia. Kromek won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2020. Export Champion, Dr Arnab Basu MBE, says new exporters should “Get to know the market, the culture and local business practices; have a strategy and find the right partner. Working with DIT’s in-country team is a great way to start.”

	Dai Hayward Chief Executive Officer Micropore Technologies Micropore Technologies has developed an award winning, fully integrated technology solution – from lab to full manufacturing – which enables manufacturers of formulated products to improve their product performance and their economics by precision control over the size and size distribution of their micro-capsules, micro-particles and micro-emulsions. Clients have reported on the elimination of waste, and simplification of their manufacturing processes. Sectors the company work with include pharmaceutical, agrochemical, food, household products, aerospace and many others. 80% of the company’s turnover is exports and since 2010 they have been exporting to the USA, Europe, Canada, India and SE Asia. In 2019, Micropore Technologies established a full-time presence in India and the USA. Chief Executive Officer, Dai Hayward says “Exporting doesn’t have to be daunting but does require patience and a long-term commitment. Do your market and cultural research and make sure you work to develop relationships.If in doubt, ask in-country experts for help.”

	Marie-Claire Joyce Trade Counsellor British Embassy Tokyo Marie-Claire took up her post as Head of the Trade Team at the British Embassy in Tokyo in summer 2020, her 3rd posting in Japan, and comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience about UK-Japan trade relations and how to do business in Japan. Her team was instrumental in negotiating and implementing the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between UK & Japan last year and is currently running a campaign to raise awareness of the agreement amongst UK businesses. As well as her time in Japan, Marie-Claire has carried out a variety of roles for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) including postings in Indonesia and Tunisia.

	Keith Miller Chairman Miller Ground Breaking Miller UK manufactures buckets, quick couplers and other attachments for the international construction equipment supply chain. The company, which has its global HQ in the North East of England, were pioneers in delivering the world’s first ever fully automatic, universal pin grabber coupler range in 1986 which transformed productivity within the construction sector, and the company has continued to lead the way by continually innovating and setting the industry standard for attachment safety ever since. Keith Miller is the founder and group chairman of the global attachments specialist establishing an international business with offices in Newcastle, China, Australia and India. Originally set up in 1978 as an attachment repair service, Miller UK quickly moved to the manufacturing of specialist attachment solutions and have been exporting their products for over 35 years. Miller UK are a good example of an innovative UK based company who are servicing the global construction equipment industry. Export sales currently account for 60% of business revenue and the company have plans to build on their diverse global portfolio revenue stream with a particular growth focus on North America and Australia.