Event report: NCCJ Briefing and Drinks, Oct. 17 2013 | The Netherlands Chamber of Commerce in Japan (NCCJ)
Event report: NCCJ Briefing and Drinks, Oct. 17 2013
The NCCJ held a talk Oct. 17 on “How Japan makes ‘trade barriers’ – A brief guide Rule-making,” by Takeo Nishitani, chairman of Weber Shandwick and a well-known communication and government relations consultant.
Despite the lucrative opportunities in Japan, Mr. Nishitani noted, foreign firms face visible and invisible barriers to doing business here. Even firms that are operating successfully in Japan often suddenly face new rules and regulations, policy changes and new stipulations that could threaten a business’s sustainability.
This topic is especially important now, as Japan is negotiating numerous free-trade agreements with trading partners in Asia and around the world.
Executives must be vigilant about policy changes and stay on top of legislative movements, and therefore they must have a thorough understanding of how the legislative and administrative branches work here, as well as be aware of the main influences on policymakers.
Mr. Nishitani gave a rundown on government procedures in the Diet, the procedures on laws and rule-making, and some background on the influences, such as media, KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders – academics and experts of various kinds) and think tanks, etc.
He offered some solutions as well, suggesting that global companies should aggressively participate in the rule-making process via lobbying, public affairs forums and PR activities.
Mr. Nishitani’s talk was followed by a lively question and answer session. Afterwards, most of the 26 attendees repaired to Aux Bacchanales for drinks and conversation. This event was open to other chambers, and we were gladdened to see many new faces in attendance.