Message to the members of Japanese Chamber of Commerce in Italy

 President Haruo Iwasaki

According to the survey in last October, the number of Japanese expatriates in Italy is about 11,000, and it is said that the total number of residents would be more than 20,000 including those who do not register their names as expatriates.

 The figure is growing every year by about 10 percent. Also, the boom of Japanese foods and surge of Japanese restaurants are providing more and more opportunities to the ordinary Italians to touch the modern Japanese lifestyles. In terms of cultural aspects, “Trade Deficit” of Japan against Italy seems to be quite big at present, since so many Japanese love Italian luxury brands, foods, arts, designs, historical heritages, etc. We expect that the recent growth of concern of Italian society toward Japan will make the bilateral relation of the two countries more balanced and more matured, slowly but steadily.

 Both Japanese and Italian societies have common subjects which need to be handled or managed. They are, for instance, security of energy resources, environmental issues, decreasing population and aging society, activation of local society, language barriers. Meanwhile, some strengths or characteristics in the social capital are also in common, such as natural environment enriched by Four Seasons, manufacturing technologies in tradition connected to the real business, artisan spirit, and network of many small private companies, values of intellectual properties (brand, patent, and design). Facing the circumstance of accelerated Globalization, the two countries have many areas to cooperate in order to overcome their common problems and improve competitiveness in the international society. And we believe that Japanese companies in Italy have a very large role in it.

The Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Japan in Italy (CCIGI) is the organization established in 1973, in order to support activities of Japanese companies, and to promote economic and social ties between the two countries. This year will be the 35th anniversary since its establishment.

 The number of member companies as of March 2008 is 198, out of which, 158 are with ordinary membership, and 40 are with supporting membership.

 As an organization registered to the Italian authority, and as the Foreign Chamber of Commerce officially represent Japanese companies in Italy, we are continuously working on the problems which can be an obstacle to the business activities. For example, we submitted a letter to the Prime Minister, with the cooperation of the Japanese Embassy and The Consulate General of Japan, requesting to improve the procedures of work visa or stay permission. Also, we work to strengthen infrastructure or communication among Japanese society, in cooperation with the Japanese Association and the Japanese school, or coordinate seminars and lectures, visit local government and business organizations to learn and exchange opinion (which we call “Punto di Incontro”), and contribute a fund to the activities which aim to popularize Japanese cultures in Italy.

 All these activities are developed and maintained for 35 years depend on the support of the member companies, guided by The Japanese Embassy and by the Consulate General of Japan, and with the effort of all the past directors and senior secretariats. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the dedications made to this moment, and wish the same support and cooperation in future as well, so that we can maintain the level of our service to all the parties concerned.

 Finally, I wish the year of 2008 will be a happy and prosperous year to all the member companies, individuals, and their families as well.

Sincerely,