The Japan Export Information Center - US Department of Commerce agency

The ultimate test of success for any exporter is entry into Japan, which remains one of the most difficult, yet profitable, markets to penetrate. Ongoing efforts by U.S. trade negotiators, incremental structural adjustment within the Japanese economy, and more recently, a significant commitment of resources by the Japanese government to promote imports, have all combined to create an ever more favorable commercial environment for U.S. traders.

To take full advantage of the tremendous market opportunities for American firms in Japan, the U.S. Department of Commerce launched the Japan Export Promotion Program in April 1990. This trade facilitation initiative is specifically designed to assist U.S. exporters to sell in the Japanese market.

One of the key elements in the Japan Export Promotion Program is the establishment of the Japan Export Information Center (JEIC). The JEIC extends business counseling and disseminates current information on exporting to Japan. The Center provides guidance on doing business in Japan, market entry alternatives, market data and research, product standards and testing requirements, intellectual property protection, tariffs, and non-tariff barriers. The staff also participates in conferences and seminars on how business is done in Japan.

American companies should begin researching the Japanese market by contacting the JEIC. The Center is the most comprehensive source for information on all aspects of doing business with Japan in the U.S. Department of Commerce and features the following assets:

* The JEIC recognizes that Japan is a separate and distinct market which requires highly specialized knowledge. The staff has a thorough understanding and extensive experience in dealing with the unique business conditions and cultural climate in Japan.

* The Center establishes long-term relationships with public and private sector contacts in Japan and the United States.

* The JEIC staff works closely and continuously with the policy staff of the Department's Office of Japan to identify and report trade opportunities which result from government-to-government negotiations.

* The JEIC maintains a commercial library which includes Japanese trade and economic statistics, data on industry trends, information on economic developments, and listings of publicly and privately sponsored business promotion activities such as trade shows. The JEIC has the most current market research produced by the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Japan External Trade Organization, and private research organizations.

The JEIC has just published Destination Japan: A Business Guide for the 90s. This guide covers the most important aspects of exporting to Japan and contains many valuable tips on avoiding potentially disastrous business decisions before exporting. Destination Japan is available through the U.S. Government Printing Office (Stock Number: 003-009-006-02-3) and the Commerce Department's National Trade Data Bank, tel. (202) 377-1986.

The JEIC is an excellent resource for U.S. firms, associations, and business groups. In 1990, the JEIC staff responded to approximately 10,000 inquiries from U.S. business, consultants, academia, and the media. The Center has participated in all types of conferences and seminars on doing business in Japan throughout the country. Staff members have visited Japan to meet with the senior executives and decision-makers in government and industry. The experience of the JEIC professionals can provide invaluable assistance for any U.S. firm assessing the Japanese market.

JEIC Contacts

Japan Export Information Center Office of Japan U.S. Department of Commerce Room 2318 Washington, D.C. 20230 Tel.(202) 377-2425 Fax (202) 377-0469 Cantwell Walsh, Director Business Counseling Staff: Edward Leslie Cynthia Campbell Elizabeth Johns Eric Kennedy

Note: The JEIC's telephone system handles a large number of inquiries. If you are unable to reach a business counselor, keep trying. They will respond to all calls as soon as they can.

COPYRIGHT 1992 U.S. Government Printing Office
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