Japan External Trade Organization

Japan External Trade Organization (日本貿易振興機構, Nihon Bōeki Shinkōkikō) (ジェトロ　JETRO) is an independent government agency established by Japan Export Trade Research Organization as a nonprofit corporation in Osaka in February 1951, and reorganized as the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) in 1958 (later Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry or METI) to consolidate Japan's efforts in export promotion. The government has provided more than half of JETRO's annual operating budget. As of May 2011, JETRO maintained seventy-three offices in fifty-five countries, as well as thirty-six regional offices in Japan, with a total staff of 1,500. Its main office is located in the Ark Mori Building in Akasaka, Tokyo. Initially, JETRO's activities focused mainly on promoting exports to other countries. As exporters established themselves in world markets and the balance of trade turned from deficit to surplus, however, JETRO's role shifted to encompass more varied activities. These have included the furtherance of mutual understanding with trading partners, import promotion, liaison between small businesses in Japan and their overseas counterparts, and data dissemination. Import promotion services have included publications, promotion of trade fairs, seminars, and trade missions.

JETRO also provides information and support to foreign companies looking for successful entry and expansion in the Japanese market. JETRO provides a wide range of services, such as timely market intelligence, extensive business development support, and relevant business events, designed to encourage new business between foreign companies and Japan. JETRO also provides current information on the laws and regulations surrounding new business operation in Japan to assist companies in expanding their business to Japan.

Criticism

Criticism: JETRO lists customers serviced in the past, but when contacted they disclaim meaningful service and deny association with the trade organization. JETRO is a Japanese government organ to promote Japan and not to promote business seeking exposure through JETRO.

Organization

Name: Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

Authorizing law: Japan External Trade Organization Incorporated Administrative Agency Act (December 13, 2002, Law No. 172)

Established: October 1, 2003

Representative: Hiroyuki Ishige, Chairman

Address: Ark Mori Building, 6F 12-32, Akasaka 1-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-6006 Japan

Domestic Offices: JETRO Headquarters Tokyo, JETRO Osaka, Institute of Developing Economies and 37 regional offices

Overseas Offices: 73 offices (55 countries) (as of May 2011)

Employees: 1,536 people (836 domestic & 700 overseas) (as of March 2013)

See also

• Economic relations of Japan

External links

• JETRO United States website
• JETRO Services to Expand to Japan
• JETRO Services to Import Japanese Goods & Technology
• JETRO Japan website