To help companies cope with the Japanese style and identify potential customers, Enterprise Ireland (EI) now organises at least six sector-specific trade missions a year.
The next one, in November, will take up to 10 technology companies to Japan to meet potential customers. The firms pay their own costs but follow an EI-organised itinerary of one-to-one meetings, presentations and events.
The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI) also organises trade missions as part of a European Commission-funded effort called Gateway to Japan. It advertises future missions through local chambers and is recruiting companies for a healthcare mission in February, an environmental technologies mission in March, an ICT mission in April and an “outdoor lifestyle” trip in May.
Companies are vetted for suitability and have to prove they are trying to break into a Japanese market or returning for another try. The EU, through CCI, gives a grant of Ђ2,800 for travel expenses...
