Amidst the advance of globalization, there is a growing need to improve the business environment required for Japanese companies' overseas operations and let the “Japan Brand” be known overseas, based on the trust, high evaluations, and praise that Japanese companies and individuals have earned through their activities overseas. In recent years there has been a mounting need for further strengthening of public-private partnerships to make this “Japan Brand” more widely known. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that supporting the economic activities of Japanese companies in foreign markets is an important element in strengthening the international competitiveness of Japanese companies and revitalizing the Japanese economy. With this in mind, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs listens to a broad range of opinions of Japanese companies and conducts dialogues and consultations on regulatory reform with the United States and the European Union, calling for concrete improvements regarding the problems that Japanese companies face. Furthermore, as a country committed to becoming an “intellectual property-based nation,” in an effort to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights of Japanese companies in foreign markets, the Ministry utilizes bilateral and multilateral consultations and negotiations to urge other countries to cooperate in strengthening the protection of intellectual property rights and in taking measures against counterfeit and pirated goods. Furthermore, Japan is working to establish legal and institutional foundations through the conclusion of conventions for the avoidance of double taxation, investment agreements, and social security agreements.