Japan External Trade Organization

JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, is a government-related institution focused on promoting trade and investment between Japan and other countries. Originally established in 1958 to support Japanese exports, JETRO's role has evolved. Today, it aims to attract foreign direct investment into Japan and support small and medium-sized Japanese enterprises in expanding their global presence.

JETRO operates under the Act on the Japan External Trade Organization, Independent Administrative Agency, established on October 1, 2003. Its headquarters are located in the Ark Mori Building in Tokyo, Japan. The organisation is led by Chairman Norihiko Ishiguro and consists of 75 overseas offices in 55 countries, along with 52 offices across Japan, including in Tokyo and Osaka. As of April 2024, JETRO employs 1,923 people, with 1,220 based domestically and 703 overseas.

JETRO's activities include offering market intelligence, business development support, and assistance in navigating Japan’s business laws and regulations. It facilitates collaboration between foreign companies and Japanese firms through business events, seminars, and trade missions. The organisation also supports foreign businesses entering the Japanese market by providing essential information and guidance on investment opportunities.

The Institute of Developing Economies, a part of JETRO, conducts comprehensive research and analysis on economic, social, and political issues in developing regions. JETRO’s services extend to publishing newsletters and reports that provide updates on doing business with Japan. In recent years, JETRO has prioritised initiatives to strengthen mutual understanding with trading partners, attract strategic investment, and promote imports.

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) was originally established in February 1952 in Osaka as the Japan Export Trade Research Organization. It began as a nonprofit corporation with the primary purpose of promoting Japanese exports to international markets. In 1958, it was reorganised under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), which later became the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). This reorganisation marked the start of JETRO’s expanded role in supporting Japan's trade and economic activities.

During the 1960s and 1970s, JETRO's main focus was assisting Japanese companies in entering foreign markets, particularly in the United States and Europe. The organisation facilitated trade missions, participated in international trade fairs, and provided market information to help Japanese exporters. As Japan's economic presence grew globally, JETRO’s role evolved to address new challenges and opportunities.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Japan experienced significant economic growth, resulting in a shift from a trade deficit to a surplus. Consequently, JETRO expanded its activities to promote imports into Japan and support the internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also worked to strengthen mutual understanding between Japan and its trading partners through research and information dissemination.

In 2003, JETRO was restructured as an Independent Administrative Institution under the Act of the Japan External Trade Organization. This transformation enabled it to focus more effectively on new priorities, such as attracting foreign direct investment into Japan and supporting domestic businesses in global markets. JETRO's services include providing market intelligence, business development support, and guidance on Japanese business regulations.

As of 2024, JETRO has 75 overseas offices in 55 countries and 52 offices across Japan, including in Tokyo and Osaka. The organisation is led by Chairman Norihiko Ishiguro. JETRO’s recent initiatives focus on promoting digital transformation and innovation in Japanese industries, encouraging investment in new sectors such as renewable energy and technology, and supporting the expansion of Japanese startups in global markets. JETRO also provides support for foreign companies looking to enter the Japanese market, offering assistance in understanding Japan's business environment and regulations.

The primary goals and purpose of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) are to promote and facilitate international trade and economic cooperation involving Japan. JETRO's key objectives include:

• Export Promotion: Historically, JETRO played a crucial role in promoting Japanese exports to foreign markets, helping Japanese businesses expand their global reach.
• Support for Foreign Companies: JETRO assists foreign companies in entering and expanding their operations in the Japanese market by providing valuable market intelligence, business development support, and information on Japanese laws and regulations.
• Mutual Understanding: JETRO promotes mutual understanding and cooperation between Japan and its trading partners, promoting positive economic relations and partnerships.

JETRO, or the Japan External Trade Organization, has made a significant impact on Japan’s economy and its global trade relations. Established to promote Japanese exports, JETRO has evolved to support both inbound and outbound trade and investment. It plays a key role in helping small and medium-sized Japanese companies expand into international markets by providing them with market information, business support, and connections with potential partners abroad.

One of JETRO’s major impacts is attracting foreign direct investment into Japan. By offering guidance on business regulations and helping foreign companies navigate the Japanese market, JETRO has facilitated the entry of numerous international businesses, boosting Japan’s economic growth and innovation.

JETRO also supports Japanese businesses in adopting digital transformation and innovation, which are crucial for staying competitive in the global economy. It helps connect Japanese companies with international markets, contributing to the growth of sectors like technology and renewable energy.

Through its extensive network of offices worldwide, JETRO promotes mutual understanding and collaboration between Japan and other countries. This has strengthened Japan’s position as a global economic player, enhancing its trade relationships and fostering economic cooperation on a global scale.