************************************************************************* Issue 21 [March 2008] OCCI e-Magazine http://www.osaka.cci.or.jp/e/index.html ************************************************************************* [CONTENTS, March 2008] 1. Recent Trends of Kansai Economy ---uncertainty for the future remains 2. Evening of Traditional Performing Arts for Visitors from Overseas 3. 22 Representatives of 14 Asian Chambers of Commerce and Industry received by OCCI ---for visits to OCCI Member Companies and The Entrepreneurial Museum of Challenge and Innovation 4. Interview with the Royal Thai Consul General Mr. Supote Isarankura na Ayudhaya 5. OCCI International Division report on VIP visitors ========================================================================= 1. Recent Trends of Kansai Economy ---uncertainty for the future remains With the exports, investments in plant and equipment plus manufacturing industries production contributing most to steady progress of Kansai economy on the whole, a sense of uncertainty for the future still remains. Not only sharp rises in the crude oil and other raw materials prices affecting wide-ranging industries and businesses, but other negative factors are also noticeable such as the slowdown in the US economy caused by the subprime problems or confusions in financial markets. For the mainstay exports, those to Asia, particularly China and Korea, of parts of cell phones and plastics and semiconductors for parts of liquid crystal TV sets are quite steady; and imports are recording basic increases in value because of price rises in crude oil, natural gas and other raw materials. For personal consumption on the other hand, slump has been evident in the sales of the main items like winter clothes and goods at large retailers (supermarkets, department stores). For construction, stricter examinations and inspections to conform to the revised construction standards has caused overall decrease in the housing start-ups. Contract values of public works construction recorded decrease for 4 consecutive months with 5 prefectures (except Osaka) showing declines. Bankruptcy for January 2008 is showing increase mainly in the construction sector and also in the transportation sector directly affected by the higher prices of crude oil. On the conditions of employment; while unemployment remains at the same level, slowdown in the improving trends of recent years is seen in the effective job offers having cut (for the first time in 2 years since December 2005) into the range of jobs needed, showing shortage of jobs for job-seekers. ======================================================================== 2. Evening of Traditional Performing Arts for Visitors from Overseas With the cooperation of the Osaka City Government and Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau, OCCI conducted (on February 26) the 'Evening of Traditional Performing Arts' mainly for the attention of overseas interests, also as an event for further promotion of our "Osaka Nightlife Culture" project, to develop a new nighttime tourist program capitalizing on Osaka's cultural resources. Keeping in mind an image of a tour to enjoy a 'dinner and show', we offered a program for a dinner (for some applicants) at a restaurant with night views and a digest version of NOH and KYOGEN plays with subtitles (and brochures) in English, traditional and simplified Chinese, and Korean (at Yamamoto Nohgakudo Theater), as well as for those in the audience to later come on stage to wear a noh mask or play classical instruments etc. for actual experience. About 100 persons in the audience from overseas included those from consulates-general, trade offices, teachers, students, etc. who highly evaluated the program as one to enable participants to enjoy learning about traditional Japanese culture, also as a recommendable program for tourists for their nighttime entertainment. * Regional Development Division: Tel 06-6944-6323 ======================================================================== 3. 22 Representatives of 14 Asian Chambers of Commerce and Industry received by OCCI ---for visits to OCCI Member Companies and The Entrepreneurial Museum of Challenge and Innovation In cooperation with Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, OCCI received, on March 11th, 22 representatives of 14 Asian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and introduced to them the main OCCI activities and also arranged for them to visit OCCI member companies fully engaged in activities for protection of environment in Asian regions. The 22 representatives are from the 9 countries of Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Philippines and Vietnam. They made a visit to Saraya Co., Ltd. (developing, manufacturing, and making sales of, medical supplies / sanitary goods, health foods, etc.) who positively supports the activities of Borneo Conservation Trust established for the protection of Malaysiafs forests. They also visited Nippon Poly-Glu Co., Ltd. (water purification) and showed their keen interest by asking many relevant questions concerning application of water purification technology to cultivation of marine products, and other issues. At the end of the program, they visited the Entrepreneurial Museum of Challenge and Innovation where they learned about the history of Osaka/ Kansai business environment and also achievements by Osaka-originated entrepreneurs. * International Division: Tel 06-6944-6400 ======================================================================== 4. Interview with the Royal Thai Consul General Mr. Supote Isarankura na Ayudhaya 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. Supote Isarankura na Ayudhaya's permission, OCCI e-Magazine is pleased to present his views: 1) How long is it since you assumed the current office in Osaka/ Kansai? Its almost 4 years. 2) What are the merits and demerits or your expectations concerning Osakafs business environment? Being the second biggest commercial metropolitan of Japan after Tokyo, the business community has a high spirit in dealing business not only with local but also with foreign communities. Close link with many countries particularly in Far East Asia, as well as Asia as a whole. Potential investors in various sectors of trade, industry, and service. Lacks in flexibility and its unwillingness to use English as business language deprives better command of communication with rest of the world. 3) What are your expectations for the OCCI e-Magazine? My expectations toward OCCI e-Magazine is to act as a tool in providing basic information not only for local business communities but also to the rest of the world. I look forward to accurate and up-to-date information on Kansai economy to show potentiality in economic outlook. 4) What are the most impressive happenings or events that you experienced whether in private or public capacity during your stay in Osaka/ Kansai? Joining Tenjin Matsuri and Midosuji Parade during past three years had been a great experience. Osaka is well planned and preserved in terms of city planning and management. The Metropolitan is clean, well facilitated with mass transportation system. I am sure that the G-8 Summit Finance Ministerfs Meeting in Osaka shall become another great opportunity for Osaka/ Kansai for its international recognition. ======================================================================== 5. OCCI International Division report on VIP visitors * March 5 (Wed) Mr. Domingo L. SIAZON, Jr., Ambassador Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Japan * March 6 (Thu) Ms. Sanjaasurengiin OYUN, Minister Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia ========================================================================