Japan Business Day 2024

NRW.Global Business, the state's foreign trade and inward investment agency, is the partner of choice for all companies looking to invest in or relocate to North Rhine-Westphalia, tap into growth markets and network with international business partners. This also includes the maintenance and promotion of international business relations. Japan is one of the most important focus countries for the activities of NRW.Global Business in the context of location marketing, the acquisition of new companies and the support of existing foreign investments. Approximately 650 Japanese companies around the state capital of Düsseldorf make North Rhine-Westphalia the most important location for Japan in Europe today. NRW.Global Business has been represented in Tokyo since 1992.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Action and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia has the task of strengthening economic growth in the state, securing existing jobs and improving the framework conditions for future-proof new jobs.

With approximately 400 Japanese companies in the city and 550 companies in the immediate vicinity, the Düsseldorf region is the most important Japanese location in continental Europe. Numerous Japanese institutions and an excellent German-Japanese infrastructure ensure that Japanese companies find ideal business conditions here. Many of them have their European or German headquarters in Düsseldorf and use this environment to develop their markets.

The city has also established a Japan Desk at the Economic Development Agency, a central point of contact for Japanese companies to assist with all aspects of the relocation process, as well as for companies already established in the area. 

The Japanese Chamber of Industry and Commerce (JIHK) in Düsseldorf has been representing the interests of its predominantly Japanese member companies as a registered association since 1966. With more than 530 members, it is the largest representation of Japanese companies in Europe.

The JIHK's objective is to facilitate economic relations between Germany and Japan, enhance the local environment for Japanese companies, and support the business activities of its members. To this end, the JIHK provides business-related information, publications, and seminars in Japanese, as well as tailored advice for its members.

The IHK Düsseldorf is one of Germany's largest chambers of industry and commerce. It represents the interests of over 95,000 member companies from industry, trade, and services in the state capital Düsseldorf and the ten towns in the Mettmann district. The IHK's role is to advocate for the collective interests of its member businesses, including the numerous Japanese member companies.

For companies seeking business opportunities in Japan, the IHK Düsseldorf has established a Japan Desk to provide tailored advice and assistance.

Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a state institution of the Japanese government under the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Established in 1958, JETRO's mission is to promote foreign trade. It currently has 46 offices in Japan and 73 foreign offices in 55 countries worldwide. JETRO has three offices in Germany: Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Munich.

JETRO's primary objective is to provide support for Japanese SMEs engaged in foreign activities, to encourage foreign direct investment in Japan, and to facilitate business alliances between Japan and other countries. JETRO offers a comprehensive range of services, including the provision of information on promising Japanese industries and market developments. Additionally, JETRO represents Japan at major trade fairs in Germany with joint Japanese stands.

The DJW is a non-profit association that facilitates economic exchange between Germany and Japan. Established over 30 years ago, we currently have approximately 1,200 members from diverse sectors, including business, politics, and science. Our membership encompasses companies and institutions, as well as freelancers, sole traders, and private individuals.

As the largest supra-regional German-Japanese business platform, we facilitate bilateral dialogue through a range of services, including events, a job pool, information, and an expert network.

The Consulate General of Japan in Düsseldorf is committed to fostering and strengthening relations between Germany and Japan in all areas, including economic ties, and to addressing shared global challenges as partners in values. North Rhine-Westphalia is the area of responsibility of the Consulate General of Japan in Düsseldorf. It is a center of Japanese companies' overseas activities in Europe, with around 630 Japanese companies based there. In cooperation with the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Düsseldorf, the Japanese Club Düsseldorf, and JETRO, the Japanese Consulate General facilitates the smooth implementation of activities by Japanese companies in the region and by Japanese people living in the region.

The photographic material was kindly provided by: 

©Düsseldorf Marketing und Tourismus GmbH
©NRW.Global Business/Jan Tepass