************************************************************************* Issue 11 [March 2007] OCCI e-Magazine http://www.osaka.cci.or.jp/e/index.html ************************************************************************* [CONTENTS, March 2007] 1. Seminar & Reception EgResurgence After 30-Year Stagnationh - Greater Osaka Economy: Present and Future - (Feb. 28) E gReception for International Exchangeh (Mar. 2) 2. Japanfs first 24-hour LOUNGE Opens (Mar. 23) at Kansai International Airport Terminal 3. Interview with Mr. Paul Lynch, British Consul General in Osaka 4. OCCI International Division report on VIP visitors ========================================================================= 1. Seminar & Reception gResurgence After 30-Year Stagnationh - Greater Osaka Economy: Present and Future - (Feb. 28) With OCCI and O-BIC (eOsaka Business and Investment Centerfconsisting of those from Osaka Prefectural and Municipal Governments, OCCI) as co-sponsors, Mr. Etsusuke MASUDA, Vice President/Senior Analyst, Japanese Equity Research, JP Morgan Securities Japan Co., Ltd. was invited as the lecturer at this Seminar. As an authority on the issues of real estate, construction, housing etc, Mr. Masuda presented his views emphasizing the advantages of Greater Osaka for manufacturing potentials over the Greater Tokyo and Nagoya regions with its development of plant and factory start-ups after the repeal in 2002 of the Factory Location Restriction Law which had inflicted serious damages on Osaka causing outflow of working population since 1974. He further stressed that Greater Osaka can be said to be the most dynamic region of Japan today, with more investments made on main department storesf facilities to be increased and consolidated, on extension of railways at Hanshin West Osaka and Keihan Nakanoshima new line and also on the port and logistics facilities. In concluding, he pointed out Osakafs great advantage being able to seize opportunities to promote its large-scale projects for redevelopment of urban zones (including the North Yard area of JR Osaka Station), just as the regional economy is steadily recovering. * Contact: (Osaka Business and Investment Center:O-BIC) o-bic@osaka.cci.or.jp ******************************* gOCCI Receptionh (Mar. 2) OCCI Reception for International Exchange was successfully held to promote networking activities between OCCI executives and both public and private sector foreign representatives based in Osaka/Kansai, exchanging views on how to create more liveliness in Osaka. Among 70 foreign participants, Consuls-General of the U.S., the U.K., Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Thailand made good representations, and the occasion was appreciated generally by all participants looking forward to the next similar opportunity. * Contact: (OCCI International Division) kokusai@osaka.cci.or.jp ======================================================================== 2. KANKU LOUNGE Opens Mar 23 (Fri) at Kansai International Airport for 24-hour services: In the space on the north side on the 2nd floor of the Airport Terminal, KANKU LOUNGE opens for 24 hours to serve passengers for their relaxation and comfort in the new facilities offering various conveniences. * For more details: http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/en/news/070227/index.html * Contact: +81-(0)72-455-2092 ========================================================================= 3. Interview with Mr. Paul Lynch, British Consul General in Osaka: As previously mentioned, our new project for March onward is to hold an interview, mainly through some written questions, with the Osaka/Kansai-based representatives of Consulates-General/Consulates, foreign companies or other offices to find out their constructive views on issues concerned with the Osaka/Kansai region. With Mr. Lynchfs permission, OCCI e-Magazine is pleased to present his views: Q1) How long is it since you assumed the current office in Osaka/Kansai? Almost five years. Q2) What are the merits and demerits or your expectations concerning Osakafs business environment? Large, wealthy market with discerning customers. Reasonable costs for investors. Straightforward business attitudes of local merchants. Close links with China and rest of Asia. Shortage of potential partners willing or able to handle international business. Compared to UK regions, the Kansai region does not make best use of its science base to support industry. Q3) What are your expectations for the OCCI e-Magazine? Brief up-to-date news on Kansai economy. Short articles focusing on all business sectors, including manufacturing and services. Q4) What are the most impressive happenings or events that you experienced whether in private or public capacity, during your stay in Osaka/Kansai? Joining in the Tenjin Matsuri (Festival) was a great experience. It should be better known world-wide. The atmosphere in Osaka and Kobe at the time of the 2002 FIFA World cup, with Japanese and overseas fans enjoying the tournament together, demonstrated how truly international the region could be. ========================================================================= 4. OCCI International Division report on VIP visitors * February 13 (Tue) Mr. Joseph Caron, Ambassador Embassy of Canada, Tokyo ======================================================================