On Thursday, June 8, 2023, a seminar titled "Succeeding in Indian Business" was held at the Lecture Hall of the Embassy of India in Japan. The event was jointly organized by the Japan-India Association, the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren), and the Embassy of India in Japan.
This seminar aimed to address the current status and challenges of Indian business, in line with the upcoming India visit by Yoshihide Suga, the President of the Japan-India Association, and representatives from the economic sector in early July. Several representatives from companies conducting business in India were invited to participate in a panel discussion to provide insights and perspectives. The seminar began with an opening address by Akitaka Saiki, the Director-General of the Japan-India Association, followed by a speech by His Excellency Shibi George, the Ambassador of India, who spoke about the future prospects of doing business in India.
Next, Yoshihide Suga, the President of the Japan-India Association, expressed his expectations and aspirations regarding his upcoming visit to India early next month. He stated, "During the visit, I plan to request improvements in the business environment and support for Japanese companies at a high level within the Indian government, together with representatives from the economic sector. As the President of the Japan-India Association, I will strive to further advance the business relationship between our two countries."
Following that, we received a keynote speech from Sei Hayashi, the Director-General of the Southeast and Southwest Asian Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who discussed the bilateral relations between Japan and India, among other topics
We also received a keynote speech from Hirohide Hirai, the Deputy Director-General for Economic and Industrial Policy at the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, who discussed the importance of bilateral economic cooperation and other related matters.
The panel discussion, which was the main focus of the seminar, featured esteemed participants including:
Mr Yuji Fukasawa, Chairman of the South Asia Regional Committee of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) and President & CEO of East Japan Railway Company (JR East). Mr Toshiya Matsuki is the Planning Department’s Director in the South Asia Regional Committee of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) and Corporate Executive of NEC Corporation. Mr Teiichi Goto, President & CEO of Fujifilm Holdings Corporation. Mr Shinichiro Omama, Advisor to Mitsui & Co. and Vice President of the Japan-India Association. Mr. Takuya Mino, General Manager of Mitsubishi UFJ Bank, India & Sri Lanka. Furthermore, Mr Naoyuki Iwatani, Japan Representative of McKinsey & Company Japan, served as the moderator for the discussion.
During the panel discussion, the panelists shared their respective companies' histories, challenges, and current project statuses regarding their initiatives in India. They provided insightful examples and experiences, which I believe left the participants highly satisfied and engaged. The discussion showcased interesting case studies that captured the interest of all those who attended. Lastly, we received closing remarks from Mr Ichiro Hara, Executive Director of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), and thus concluded this India Business Seminar.
Subsequently, we were graciously provided with snacks and beverages in the foyer by the Embassy. It was a great honor to facilitate networking among the participants on-site, fostering connections and relationships.
Monthly Journal of the Japan-Indian Association