An Introduction of Cutting-Edge Approaches Taken by ANMC 21 Member Cities.
(1) From Tokyo: Introducing "Tokyo Business Entry Point," a means to attract foreign companies in Tokyo
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has since 2005 been operating the "Tokyo Business Entry Point (TBEP)," a one-stop, comprehensive service center that gathers and provides information useful for foreign capital companies doing business in Tokyo.
At TBEP, in addition to business information such as information about permits and licenses or introductions to potential business partners, expert consultants also respond to consultations about families' daily lifestyles, including such things as providing information about children's schools or hospitals. Currently, TBEP responds to an average of more than 20 cases a month and provides finely tuned services.
"I want to deliver delicious drinks to the people of Japan," was what was talked about.
While covering TBEP for this issue, we also spoke to some of the people who use its services.
"I was born in Israel, but now live in Japan because of the requirements of my wife's job. I work selling Italian-made beverages and beverage production machinery, and I am thinking about setting up a Japanese base and had heard about TBEP from a friend, so decided to come here for a consultation. I am already doing business in seven countries, including Israel, the Netherlands and the United States. Actually, I have used services similar to this in other countries, but nearly all of the time, all they have done is give me a big, thick wad of materials. But here, I was really surprised, because they provide courteous service related to the details of what you have actually consulted them about, and do so either by phone, or by e-mail, or by actually meeting you if you come here for a direct consultation. As I don't speak much Japanese, providing the service in English is, in particular, a big help. Thanks to TBEP, I was able to set up a Japanese company in January," one man said.
A South Korean businessman during a consultation
One of TBEP's counselors told us about the current state of the center's use.
"Recently, we have had a lot of consultations about 1) The procedures for setting up a business base; and, 2) Requests for introductions to an importation and sales company so that products can be sold in Japan. For those seeking consultations who are not such good Japanese speakers, we help out setting up a company in such ways as introducing them to bilingual administrative scriveners. Among those seeking consultations, many are from Europe, but there are growing numbers from Taiwan and India who are seeking consultations. Recently, we introduced a Taiwanese textile company to a trading partner, while also responded to a consultation from India about setting up a shop related to beauty products. We are always ready and waiting to consult with people from Asia," the counselor said. It has been said for a long time now that the world of business is also undergoing globalization, but doing business overseas is often accompanied by difficulties in getting your hands on detailed information, such as legal codes in the countries you are trading in, or accepted business practices. TBEP responds to consultations about matters such as these and makes a contribution toward improving Tokyo's business environment.
* Click here to go to the TBEP website
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