********************************************************************** Issue 4 [July 2006] OCCI e-Magazine http://www.osaka.cci.or.jp/e/index.html ********************************************************************** Based on the Economic Partnership Agreement recently concluded between Japan and Malaysia, OCCI has started, on July 13th, to issue Preferential Certificates of Origin for exports to Malaysia. In Japanfs moves forward to further strengthen its economic relations with overseas, this EPA follows those already formed with Singapore and Mexico. EPA is welcome with its expectation to give a fresh impetus not only to expansion of trade but also to promotion of exchanges in investments and human resources. Yasutsugu KOHZUKI Director, International Division Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) * Contact for EPA: Mr. Masatomo IHORI @Tel: +81-6-6944-6402 E-mail: ihori@osaka.cci.or.jp ===================================================================== [CONTENTS, July 2006] 1. O-BIC reports on its achievements, and Seminar on July 27 2. Introducing gDigital Concept Partners g (DCP) 3. The latest on Kansai International Airport (KIX) 4. OCCI International Div. reports on VIP visitors, and Seminar on August 3 ====================================================================== 1. Osaka Business and Investment Center (O-BIC) O-BIC (formed by OCCI, Osaka Prefecture and Osaka City, with its Secretariat based in OCCI) has made a full report on its achievements (FY 2005) responding to 158 cases of inquiries, out of which O-BIC had success with 25 cases that settled in Osaka to join the market. The total over the 5 years (FY 2001/2005) came to 109 cases of success. * For more details: http://www.o-bic.net/e/pdf/achievements2005.pdf ---------------------------------------- O-BIC introduces a Seminar (July 27) that it organized on gNew Corporate Lawh (that went into force on May 1, 2006) largely simplifying procedures to set up a company. Lecturers deal with legal and tax affairs, also how the law can benefit foreign companies/ organizations. * For more details: http://o-bic.net/law/e/index.html ==================================================================== 2. gDigital Concept Partnersh (DCP) DCP is a new project of world leaders (headquartered in Kansai) in digital appliances, devices and software (Matsushita/Panasonic, Sanyo, Sharp, etc) forming an industry group, not only to increase business opportunities in the region but also to seek joint development, technical tie-ups or joint venture proposals from outside the region, with support from government bureau/agencies etc. DCP welcomes such proposals through DCP applications. * For more details: http://www.neocluster.jp/dcp/eng/eng_index.html * Contact : http://www.neocluster.jp/dcp/eng/contact_eng/contact_eng.html The DCP Secretariat (OCCI Economy & Industry Division) Tel: +81-6-6944-6403 Fax: +81-6-6944-6249 E-mail: j-azuma@osaka.cci.or.jp ====================================================================== 3. The latest on Kansai International Airport (KIX) <2nd runway opens August 2, 2007> We welcome the recent official announcement that the 2nd runway of KIX will be opened for operations on August 2, 2007, in time for the gWorld Championships in Athleticsh in Osaka. * For more details: http://www.kiac.co.jp/english/news/pdf06/060705_05.pdf ---------------------------------------- KIX takes 4th place in gAirport of the Year 2006h rankings. * For more details: http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/english/news/060524/060524.htm ====================================================================== 4. OCCI International Division reports on VIP visitors June 22 Mr. Stefano Zanini, Consul General Consulate-General of Italy in Osaka June 23 Mr. Yangug Sodbaatar, Deputy Minister Ministry of Industry and Trade, Mongolia Mr. Rentsendoo Jigjid Ambassador of Mongolia in Japan June 26 Mr. Sushilkumar Shinde, Minister of Power Government of India Mr. Om Prakash, Consul General Consulate-General of India in Osaka-Kobe July 03 Mr. Pitono Purnomo, Consul General Consulate-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Osaka July 12 Ms. Rafidah Aziz, Minister of International Trade and Industry Government of Malaysia ---------------------------------------- * Aug 03 (Thu) Seminar: How to Engage Your Employees? Time: 18:00-20:00 Venue: Osaka Securities Exchange Bldg. 21F Sponsors: The American Chamber of Commerce in Japan (ACCJ) Business Programs Committee (BPC) & OCCI URL: http://www.osaka.cci.or.jp/e/support/event/060803.pdf ======================================================================