Japan Economy Forum

[Aepsilons]

Japanese investors could invest in building international standard special economic zones in Bangladesh in view of the government policy to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), said speakers at a seminar in the capital Sunday.

They laid emphasis on increasing collaboration between Bangladesh and Japanese entrepreneurs for mutual trade benefits of the two countries.

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) jointly arranged the seminar titled "Business Climate in Asia and Bangladesh Position" at DCCI auditorium on the day.

DCCI president Mohammad Shahjahan Khan delivered the address of welcome, while secretary of the ministry of planning Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam was present as chief guest.

The DCCI president said that Bangladesh and Japan have been maintaining good relations since long, and Japan has contributed a lot to the economic development of the country.

Mentioning the government initiative to attract FDI, the DCCI president said the Bangladesh government has established a task force comprising business leaders and government officials with a goal to eliminate impediments to Japanese investment.

He said the task force was also aimed at exploring the prospective areas of Japanese investment in Bangladesh and identifying problems standing in the way of attracting investment from the world's third largest economy.

Shahjahan Khan sought Japanese investment in gas exploration, power generation, communication network, infrastructure and agro-based industries in Bangladesh. Japanese cooperation is important for boosting the efficiency of Bangladesh's fertiliser factories, he added.

Planning secretary Bhuiyan Shafiqul Islam said the present government of Bangladesh was working hard to improve the people's living standard through eradicating poverty and creating employment opportunities.

He laid emphasis on Japan's cooperation in the economic development of Bangladesh.

He called upon JETRO to collaborate with the Bangladesh private sector to make the country an attractive investment destination.

He added that Bangladesh has taken an open-door policy to attract FDI. He called upon the Japanese investors to invest more in Bangladesh.

DCCI and JETRO signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate bilateral trade ties.

DCCI president Mohammad Shahjahan Khan and JETRO Dhaka Representative Kei Kawano signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides.

DCCI and JETRO will provide relevant market information and support government to formulate more business-friendly policies.

JETRO representative Kei Kawano said JETRO was closely working with Bangladesh to strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Japan.

He hoped the MoU signed between DCCI and JETRO would have a positive effect on Bangladesh's economy. He said Bangladesh was a good investment destination and Japanese investors were keen to invest in this country.

Senior Research Fellow of JETRO, Bangkok, Hirotoshi Ito and Director and Industry Researcher of JETRO, New Delhi, and Special Adviser to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan, Ichiro Abe presented two different keynote papers.

They highlighted the importance of regional economic integration.

They observed that eighty per cent of Japanese companies operating in Bangladesh were planning to expand their business activities in the country. DCCI vice president Kh. Shahidul Islam gave the vote of thanks.

DCCI directors Haider Ahmed Khan, FCA, Humayun Rashid, Muktar Hossain Chowdhury, S Rumi Saifullah, Md. Iftekharuddin (Naushad), Hossain A Sikder, Alhaj Abdus Salam, Md. Shoaib Choudhury and A.K.D. Khair Mohammad Khan, former senior vice presidents Ashraf Ibne Noor, MS Shekil Chowdhury, convener MS Siddiqui, among others, were present at the programme.



Reference: The Financial Express

 

[Aepsilons]

 

[kalu_miah]

There are quite a few EPZ's in Bangladesh, I have been to the one in Chittagong, there are some Japanese owned factory there.
Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority

EPZs of Bangladesh

• EPZ-Adamjee
  
• EPZ-Chittagong
  
• EPZ-Comilla
  
• EPZ-Dhaka
  
• EPZ-Ishwardi
  
• EPZ-Karnaphuli
  
• EPZ-Mongla
  
• EPZ-Uttara

 

[kalu_miah]

There is one Korean owned private EPZ in Chittagong:
KEPZ Bangladesh.

Friday, 06 June 2014, 10:59:33 PM

• Home
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KEPZ- at a glance
Fast and easy access to first world markets
√ Excellent Strategic location
√ Air & Sea Connection
√ Investor Friendly Policies
√ Attractive incentives

Low production cost with consequential high competiveness
√ Low cost labour
√ Skilled Professionals
√ Efficient management

Industrial friendly and congenial work environment
√ Largest EPZ in Bangladesh
√ 500 hec. industrial land
√ Environment Management
√ Essential civic amenities

Professional one-stop service by KEPZ-management team
√ Easy licensing
√ Import/Export permits
√ Simplified labour law
√ KEPZ’s full support

• History of KEPZ
• Location of KEPZ
• Management
• YOUNGONE'S INDUSTRIAL TRACK RECORD

Youngone Corporation, incorporated in Korea in 1974, operates in 12 countries of the world, namely USA, Mexico, Italy, Switzerland, El-Salvador, Korea, China, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Bangladesh. This Corporation is a leading manufacturer of Outerwear, Sportswear, Backpack, Woven fabric, Non-woven polyester products, Dyeing and Finishing synthetic fabrics, Sport Shoes, & shoe accessories, besides being resin and poly bags retailer and exporter.

This Corporation established its first overseas operation in Chittagong city, Bangladesh in 1980 and moved its operation into the Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) in 1988. Today the company employs more than 40000 local workforce in its 17 factories in the EPZs of Dhaka (DEPZ) and Chittagong (CEPZ). and supplies world class brand products all over the world.

Youngone Corporation is headed by its Chairman & CEO Mr. Kihak Sung.

@Chinese-Dragon we welcome investment from China as well in these EPZ's, to develop new EPZ's and to develop our infrastructure.

 

[Aepsilons]

By: Umar Cheema
The News International

TOKYO: Pakistan has been ranked second in the world in terms of business growth in a survey conducted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the News has learnt.



The current survey – which examined records of 9,371 Japanese firms operating across the world – put Pakistan just behind Taiwan in terms of business generated; leaving behind both India and Japan. JETRO has been conducting such surveys since 2013



Pakistan’s data was generated from 27 Japanese firms doing business here. The results found that 74.1% of the Japanese companies estimated operating profit in 2013, allotting second rank to Pakistan only after Taiwan (81.8%). Compared to this, 60.7% Japanese firms in China and 45.8% in India made operating profit in 2013.



If the survey is any guide, not only have a majority of the already-present Japanese investors in Pakistan posed confidence in terms of guaranteeing business opportunities, they have also declared their intentions to expand their business here. But new companies are reluctant to invest in Pakistan and security is being cited the prime concern.



Shun Imaizumi, president of Japan-Pakistan Association and recipient of Pakistani award (Sitara-i-Imtiaz) granted in recognition of his services, also echoed the same line saying security, electricity and road infra-structure needs urgent attention of the government for wooing foreign investment. Asked what needs to be improved first, he said: "security."



Meanwhile, Japanese government is also concentrating on these areas as far as its sanctions of loans for different projects are concerned.



Documents available with The News indicate that a loan of $38 million on road infrastructure in last four years. Kohat Tunnel and Indus Highway are two noteworthy projects being carried out with Japanese loan. Likewise, second biggest loan of $ 34 million has been given in four years by Japan for coping with the power crisis.



A mega $2 billion project of Karachi Circular Railway is also on the horizon soon and will be a big boost in Japanese interests in Pakistan.



"Media's voice is louder than the findings of our survey," said Naoyuki Maekawa, senior coordinator for South Asia in JETRO.



JETRO has been urging Japanese investors to benefit from the conducive business environment in Pakistan, Mr. Maekawa told The News. He added, “But they stop giving us ears when they start reading news stories of bomb blasts.”



A single Japanese was killed during 2008's terrorism incident in Mumbai and nobody went to India from Japan in next three months, he said explaining that insecurity discourages investment.



There are more than 20,000 Japanese companies in China and over 1000 in India. There is an increase of 100 Japanese companies in India every year, said JETRO official. Apparently, China is a hot destination for investors but many want to pull out due to various laws.



"It is easy to invest in China and difficult to pull out," said Yoshiji Nogami, former foreign minister of Japan and currently President of Japan Institute of International Affairs.



While Pakistani laws are more favorable for foreign investors as compared with China and India both, nevertheless the terrorism-hit country has so far been able to convince only 70 Japanese companies for investment, majority of them in manufacturing sector, automobile industry in particular.



Other than security reasons, official apathy is also to be blamed. From 1990 to 2014, three Pakistani Prime Ministers visited Japan and vice versa. Contrast this with Japanese PM's recent visit to India where he was chief guest of honor on India's Republic Day parade. This is second visit of Japanese PM to India in three years.



Not only they noted growth in their existing business, 70.4% Japanese investors in Pakistan forecast further improvement in their business during 2014.



Business confidence exceeds 40 points in Cambodia, Myanmar and Pakistan, JETRO's survey found explaining the feedback collected from Japanese investors already doing business in the respective countries. This confidence has diminished in major countries like India and Indonesia, notes the survey report. Compared to 70.4% investors posed confidence on Pakistan, only 56.6% Japanese in India and 40% in China have expressed business confidence on the respective governments. In terms of business expansion, 81.5% Japanese investors in Pakistan declared such intentions while responding to survey questions, compared to 78.3% in India and 54.2% in China. This correspondent held meetings with different officials dealing with Japanese investment in Pakistan. They range from the executives of Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industries to JETRO, JICA and economists specializing on Pakistan. Majority of them agree that while Pakistan promises great business opportunities for Japanese investors, but security remains the foremost concern.




Reference: The News

 

[Dubious]

That is interesting! Considering how little power and security we have! A surviving nation indeed! MASHALLAH!

 

[Cyberian]

Pakistani people trust everything that's Made in Japan. All products made in Japan (and Germany) are considered of a much superior quality compared to all other countries in the world. Automatically trusting the Chinese and the Japanese is a cultural thing in Pakistan.

 

[Aepsilons]

That is interesting! Considering how little power and security we have! A surviving nation indeed! MASHALLAH!

@Akheilos ,

With a large population in Pakistan, very favorable investment environment, it will definitely encourage more Japanese firms that are in China to move to Pakistan. The same thing also is observed for Bangladesh. I believe Japan needs to really consider moving our manufacturing plants from China to Pakistan and Bangladesh.

 

[Fahad Khan 2]

@Akheilos ,

With a large population in Pakistan, very favorable investment environment, it will definitely encourage more Japanese firms that are in China to move to Pakistan. The same thing also is observed for Bangladesh. I believe Japan needs to really consider moving our manufacturing plants from China to Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Yes with option of more cheaper and better educated then chiness and 6th largest population makes Pakistan ideal place for investment.. Pakistan is second cheapest economy where your dollar worth more then any other country.. You can buy many thing with 100 $ which you cannot imagine in Japan or Europe....
Pakistan is currently having electricity shortage if that would be solved and Americans withdrawal from Afghanistan Pakistan will become ideal place for investment.
Strategic location of Pakistan near middle east countries will give advantage to any company...

 

[usernameless]

@Akheilos ,

With a large population in Pakistan, very favorable investment environment, it will definitely encourage more Japanese firms that are in China to move to Pakistan. The same thing also is observed for Bangladesh. I believe Japan needs to really consider moving our manufacturing plants from China to Pakistan and Bangladesh.

what i always wondered is, why are Japanese companies investing in China (aside from the obvious profit)? a country that will surely come back at Japan once it has enough capabilities. Sure, i understand that there is freedom when it comes to doing business, but imo Japan and the US shouldn't have allowed their companies to do too much business in China. It enriches your rival/enemy, a certain degree of know-how is given away and this investment was probably better off in the long run in another pro-Japan country. This is my view. What is your opinion about this?

 

[Edison Chen]

Confidence for Pakistan market incoming! Very nice!

what i always wondered is, why are Japanese companies investing in China (aside from the obvious profit)? a country that will surely come back at Japan once it has enough capabilities. Sure, i understand that there is freedom when it comes to doing business, but imo Japan and the US shouldn't have allowed their companies to do too much business in China. It enriches your rival/enemy, a certain degree of know-how is given away and this investment was probably better off in the long run in another pro-Japan country. This is my view. What is your opinion about this?

China’s Top Import Partners
Below is a list of China’s top 15 trade partners that imported the most Chinese shipments by dollar value during 2013. Also shown is each import countries percentage of total Chinese exports.

1. Hong Kong: $384,854,022,000 (17.4% of China’s total exports)
2. United States: $369,111,212,000 (16.7%)
3. Japan: $150,388,804,000 (6.8%)
4. South Korea: $91,196,702,000 (4.1%)
5. Germany: $67,364,998,000 (3%)
6. Netherlands: $60,328,824,000 (2.7%)
7. United Kingdom: $50,957,385,000 (2.3%)
8. Russian Federation: $49,601,249,000 (2.2%)
9. Vietnam: $48,594,333,000 (2.2%)
10. India: $48,449,347,000 (2.2%)
11. Malaysia: $45,931,114,000 (2.1%)
12. Singapore: $45,879,931,000 (2.1%)
13. Taiwan: $40,664,980,000 (1.8%)
14. Australia: $37,563,451,000 (1.7%)
15. Indonesia: $36,948,166,000 (1.7%)

Over two-thirds (69.1%) of Chinese exports in 2013 were delivered to the above 15 trade partners.

We don't mind doing business with our enemies. Before WW1, Germany and UK or France have huge trade volume, does it stop the war?

 

[airmarshal]

I would like to see more Japanese investment in large scale manufacturing like automobile. I would also like to see their investment in transportation and infrastructure.

Pakistan is big market of 200 million people. If govts succeeds in securing the country from terrorists, business will boom.

 

[ChineseTiger1986]

what i always wondered is, why are Japanese companies investing in China (aside from the obvious profit)? a country that will surely come back at Japan once it has enough capabilities. Sure, i understand that there is freedom when it comes to doing business, but imo Japan and the US shouldn't have allowed their companies to do too much business in China. It enriches your rival/enemy, a certain degree of know-how is given away and this investment was probably better off in the long run in another pro-Japan country. This is my view. What is your opinion about this?

What is the purpose being off-topic?

Don't need to bring China into every topic.

 

[Aepsilons]

back to business as usual...



-----


Nissan Motor's premium Infiniti brand has restarted construction of a plant in northeastern China after plans for the factory were delayed by rising Sino-Japanese tensions in 2012.

Lu Feng, head of the legal and securities affairs department at Nissan's mainland manufacturing partner Dongfeng Motor, said the factory, in Dalian, Liaoning, would take 12 to 14 months to complete and have an initial annual production capacity of at least 100,000 vehicles.

"We had to slow the project down due to the Sino-Japan relationship," Lu said yesterday.

Infiniti is preparing to start production on the mainland as foreign carmakers step up investments to increase their share of the world's largest car market. Japanese-branded car sales slumped on the mainland in the aftermath of a consumer boycott in 2012 after tensions escalated between the two nations over ownership of a group of islands in the East China Sea.

Infiniti is counting on further gains on the mainland next year as it begins building the long-wheelbase versions of the Q50 and QX50 crossover later this year at Nissan's Xiangyang plant.

At the height of the Sino-Japanese tensions in 2012, Infiniti delayed plans for the Dalian factory and retooled a production line at the Xiangyang plant, Lu said. The company would shift production to Dalian if the Xiangyang factory ran out of capacity, he said.

Infiniti president Johan de Nysschen said last month global deliveries would rise more than 10 per cent to a record 200,000 this fiscal year, with mainland sales jumping at least 75 per cent.



Reference: South China Morning Post

Infiniti to Build China Plant Delayed by Japan Tensions

Nissan Motor Co.’s premium Infiniti brand has restarted construction of a plant in northeastern China after plans for the factory were delayed by rising Sino-Japanese tensions in 2012.

The factory in the city of Dalian, in Liaoning province, will take 12 to 14 months to complete and have an initial annual production capacity of at least 100,000 vehicles, according to Lu Feng, head of the legal and securities affairs department at Nissan’s Chinese manufacturing partner Dongfeng Motor Group Co. (489) Karin Zhang, Infiniti’s Hong Kong-based spokeswoman, declined to comment.

“We had to slow the project down due to the Sino-Japan relationship,” Lu said in a phone interview yesterday. “We have restarted the project.”

Infiniti is preparing to start production in China as foreign automakers step up investments to increase their share of the world’s largest auto market. Japanese-branded car sales slumped in the country in the aftermath of a Chinese consumer boycott in 2012 after tensions escalated between the two nations over ownership of a group of islands.

Infiniti is counting on further gains in China next year as it begins building the long-wheelbase versions of the Q50 sedan and QX50 crossover -- tailored for Chinese taste -- later this year at Nissan’s Xiangyang plant in central China.

At the height of the Sino-Japanese tensions in 2012, Infiniti delayed plans for the Dalian factory and retooled a production line at the Xiangyang plant, according to Lu. The company will shift production to Dalian if the Xiangyang factory runs out of capacity, he said.

Infiniti President Johan de Nysschen last month forecast global deliveries for the brand, which has ambitions to capture 10 percent of the world premium market by 2020, will rise more than 10 percent to a record 200,000 units in the fiscal year ending March as sales in China jump at least 75 percent to more than 30,000 units.

The Q30 compact car could be the third model it produces in China, Andy Palmer, Nissan’s chief planning officer, said in Beijing in April.




Reference: Bloomberg

 

[mike2000]

What is the purpose being off-topic?

Don't need to bring China into every topic.

Lool you cant avoid not bringing China in any topic regarding Asia or to a lesser extent even the world nowadays. You seem to forget that when you grow too big influential its almost impossible to remain hidden/anonymous. Yes with Great power comes great responsibilties, ask the U.S.
Just looking at the Asian section/thread on here, almost all the topics revolves around China. and with each passing year expect it to be even more so.