Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

The Women's Economic Empowerment Forum Osaka Expo 2025 was held on August 8, from 10:30-17:15 Japan time (02:30-09:15 UK time) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the UK Department for Business and Trade. This event was based on the Japan-UK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (Japan-UK CEPA).

This forum featured experiences and advice from female executives and senior managers based in Japan or the UK, as well as those supporting female entrepreneurs, to promote business development in both countries. A Q&A session with participants was also held. The summary of the forum is as follows.

First, a panel of four female executives and senior managers discussed how we can create societies where women can thrive by sharing their experiences.

Second, a mentoring session was held during which the participants broke up into ten small groups and received mentoring individually a group of mentors consisting of presenters and other female managers.

A panel of four female entrepreneurs and entrepreneur supporters held a session focused on female entrepreneurs, discussing opportunities and challenges in business ownership and ideal ways to support female business owners.

Finally, representatives from the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) and Robert Walters introduced practical advice on the differences in business culture between Japan and the UK, the potential of the two markets and how to leverage that potential.