[Embassy] Japan High Level Investors Dinner with His Excellency Mr. Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Japanese business representatives

On 14 November, the Flanders Investment and Trade Agency (FIT) hosted a dinner reception for Japanese companies with H.E.Mr. Matthias Diependaele, Minister-President of the Flemish Government and Flemish Minister for Economy, Innovation and Industry, Foreign Affairs, Digitalization and Facility Management. At the reception, there was a lively exchange of views on investment and the business environment. H.E. Mr. Dienpendaele emphasized that Japan is the second largest trading partner of non-EU countries after the United States, and that cooperation between Japan and Flanders is progressing in various fields including semiconductors and renewable energy.  The day before, 13 November, H.E. Mr. Diependaele invited Ambassador Mikami to a luncheon meeting to exchange views on improving the business environment for Japanese companies. Ambassador Mikami noted that Japan and Belgium have developed a close bilateral relationship, supported by the close ties between the Imperial and Royal family of Japan and Belgium, and that specific investments and partnerships are progressing in fields such as semiconductors, offshore wind energy, advanced medical care and pharmaceuticals, and hydrogen. Ambassador Mikami expressed his hope that the Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025 and the 160th anniversary of Japan-Belgium relations in 2026 would be years in which to further strengthen the relationship.