Japanese Economy

October 15, 2024
Japanese

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is strongly promoting foreign direct investment in Japan in order to attract people, goods, capital and ideas from overseas, and to strengthen the growth potential of the Japanese economy and create innovation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs established the “contact points for promotion of foreign direct investment in Japan” in major embassies and consulates-generals and, while making use of their extensive network, they are working to collect information that will contribute to the promotion of foreign direct investment in Japan, and set in place a support mechanism for the successful conclusion of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in Japan.

1. Aim to achieve a balance of 100 trillion yen in foreign direct investment by 2030

In June 2023, the Government of Japan set a target of achieving a balance of 100 trillion yen in foreign direct investment in Japan by 2030 in the “Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2023”, and is working across government ministries to promote foreign direct investment in Japan.

The Government, with the “Council for the Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan” to serve as a command center for activities to identify and attract investment projects, is promoting foreign direct investment in Japan while directly hearing the views of foreign company managers and others.

2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Initiatives to Promote Foreign Direct Investment in Japan

Investment seminars in Japan (A black-haired man takes the stage)
Investment seminars in Japan (A grey-haired man takes the stage)

(1) Initiatives of Diplomatic Missions overseas

(A) the contact points for promotion of foreign direct investment in Japan

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs established “contact points for promotion of foreign direct investment in Japan” at 126 overseas diplomatic missions, and they are pressing ahead with the following initiatives in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) (List of contact points for promotion of foreign direct investment in Japan).

  • (a) Collect information which relates to potential foreign direct investment in Japan
  • (b) Collect information which contributes to improving investment-related rules and regulations in Japan
  • (c) Strengthening relations with foreign business communities
  • (d) Promoting Foreign Direct Investment in Japan through holding various events and diplomatic efforts

(B) Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Taskforce

In June 2023, “FDI Task Force” was newly established at five locations: the United States (Consulate-General in New York), the United Kingdom (Embassy in the United Kingdom), Germany (Consulate-General in Düsseldorf), France (Embassy in France), and Australia (Consulate-General in Sydney) in order to fundamentally strengthen the system to attract foreign direct investment in Japan.

FDI Task Force is strengthening their engagement with executives of major local companies and relevant government agencies. With a view to promoting investment in Japan, it is working to provide necessary support for overseas companies seeking to expand their business in Japan, while collaborating at the level of heads of diplomatic missions overseas and JETRO overseas office.

(2) Investment seminars in Japan (Global Business Seminars)

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs holds investment seminars (Global Business Seminars) to widely disseminate information about Japan's business environment from an overseas perspective and the attractiveness of Japan as an investment destination. At the seminars, government officials, business representatives, and foreign companies with a base in Japan present and share the latest initiatives related to foreign direct investment in Japan, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working to promote Japan's abroad as a promising investment destination.

3. Government measures to promote Foreign Direct Investment in Japan

The Government of Japan is working to promote foreign direct investment in Japan with the following policies adopted by the “Council for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan”.

Recently Decided Documents

Previous Meetings, Decided Documents, etc.

4. Contact points

(1) MOFA contact

OECD Division, Economic Affairs Bureau
E-MAIL: invest-japan@mofa.go.jp

(2) JETRO

As a comprehensive support organization for foreign investment in Japan, JETRO is working to attract foreign companies and support the establishment of bases in Japan, business expansion, and collaborative partnerships. JETRO has more than 70 offices overseas and 50 offices in Japan, as well as Investment Business Support Centers (IBSC), and provides services that make use of its extensive network.

At each of the IBSC locations (Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Fukuoka), experienced full-time staff and specialists provide a range of support for establishing a base in Japan and expanding business for foreign and foreign-owned companies. In addition, JETRO established J-Bridge as a business platform for creating international open innovation between Japanese companies and foreign companies such as startups in 2021.

J-Bridge provides a range of support for Japanese companies, universities, research institutions, etc. that aim to develop business or create new business through alliances with overseas companies (business partnerships, technical partnerships, investment, establishment of joint ventures, etc.) or M&A.

(3) Link of Invest Japan (Cabinet Office)Open a New Window

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