TOKYO -- Japanese air conditioner maker Daikin Industries aims to become the "No. 1 player in Africa" by replicATING its success in India, according to remarks made by a senior executive at the Japan-India-Africa Business Forum held on February 26, 2023. During the same event, the president of farm equipment maker Kubota highlighted the company's plans to utilize India as an export hub for shipments to Africa.
The forum, co-hosted by Nikkei Inc. and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, serves as a platform for strengthening ties between Japan and the African continent. State Minister for Foreign Affairs MIYAJI Takuma underscored this commitment during his closing address, where he noted the increasing presence of Japanese businesses operating not only within India but also using it as a base for exports to African nations.
MIYAJI signaled strong government support for these international efforts, stating, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would support Japanese companies... aiming for the prosperity of the economic zone from Asia to Africa." His address highlighted the ministry's intention to leverage discussions from the forum to inform future cooperation at the upcoming TICAD 9 summit scheduled for August this year.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian chamber of commerce has embarked on its own initiative to bolster economic ties between Japanese companies and Ukrainian businesses. Amid efforts to rebuild Ukraine following the devastation of war, the chamber recently signed a memorandum with Ukraine's foreign ministry aimed at fostering partnerships with Japanese firms.
Kateryna Yavorska, president of the Ukrainian chamber of commerce, remarked on the technological potential Japan offers for supporting reconstruction efforts. She expressed, "Japan has a lot of technologies... we want to connect those companies with Ukrainian companies who need them." This sentiment was reiterated by Ukraine's ambassador to Japan, Sergiy Korsunsky, who said, "The war is going to end... we need very powerful push in reconstruction."
According to reports, over 2,500 Ukrainian businesses across various sectors such as IT, construction, and agriculture are already registered on the ministry's online platform, aimed at matching them with Japanese partners. This innovative project is anticipated to create valuable collaborations, aiding not just the recovery of Ukraine but also opening new avenues for Japanese firms eager to broaden their international footprints.
With Daikin targeting Africa and Kubota enhancing its export capabilities through India, Japan's business strategies are clearly focused on establishing stronger connections on the global stage. The dual efforts of enhancing commerce with African nations and supporting Ukrainian businesses underline Japan's commitment to fostering international partnerships and contributing to economic recovery.
These developments reflect more than just corporate ambitions; they signify Japan's strategic moves to position itself within the rapidly developing marketplaces of Africa and support regions devastated by conflict. This commitment to cross-border collaboration could yield significant economic benefits for all nations involved.