Japanese Investors Club Conference 2011, opening remarks by IFA Chairman & CEO David Appia

Held at the IFA’s Paris headquarters on September 20, this year’s Japanese Investors Club conference drew 140 participants, including 80 investors and His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan. The aim of the event was to bring current and future Japanese investors and the IFA’s partners up to date on new investment opportunities in France. 

Japan and France in a few figures: 

-           430 corporate subsidiaries in 2011. 

-           650 establishments employing 64,000 people in 2011. 

-           1,363 jobs created in 2010. 

-           Japan is the leading Asian investor in France. 

-           Japan invested more in France in 2010 than in any other euro zone country. 

The first roundtable discussion allowed speakers to present the reforms that have been implemented as a result of the March 28, 2011 meeting of the Strategic Attractiveness Council: 

-           ‘One-stop shop’ service from the French Immigration and Citizenship Office (OFII) to streamline the administrative formalities associated with moving to France. 

-           Special services for foreign investors. 

-           Fast and effective ‘contact us’ feature on the IFA website. 

-           Single point of contact for each region. 

First “Japan Club” roundtable discussion

These reforms are designed to promote high-skilled, ‘circular’ immigration. France wants to control migration flows to make them fit for the needs of its economy and its absorptive capacity. The new immigration policy is being implemented by the Secretariat General of Immigration and Citizenship (SGII) through its various divisions, including the consular, border security and citizenship departments. 

Presentation on NEDO-Oséo partnerships

Additionally, new multi-year residence permits – the “Skills and Expertise” permit and the “Expatriate Employee” permit, for example – have been introduced to make it easier for new investors and their employees to move to France. Steps have also been taken to make it easier for expatriates to bring their families with them. 

During the second roundtable discussion, participants were introduced to various examples of innovative projects involving technological partnerships between the two countries. Philippe Delahaye, President of Toshiba France, emphasized the need to provide “more concrete examples of Japanese companies doing business in France.” Mr. Delahaye, who is also President of the regional development agency Normandie Développement, was very enthusiastic about the conference, where he gave a presentation on Toshiba’s involvement in the global initiative to develop Smart Grid systems. 

Philippe Delahaye, President of Toshiba France and Normandie Développement

The most persuasive example was the Greater Lyon (Grand Lyon) project, which came up repeatedly during the roundtable presentations. This project, in which Japanese government agency NEDO played a major role, was interesting principally because it had been possible to develop smart technology solutions in partnership with local companies. The Greater Lyon project primarily involved the design and construction of positive energy buildings and the development of a shared-use system for electric vehicles. 

Similar projects are planned for other countries, and the companies involved in the Greater Lyon project are looking for new, innovative local partners. 

Representatives of the Japanese Ambassy and participants

“Participating in the Japan Investors Club is a great way to share information with colleagues facing the same issues, such as how to transfer people from Japa to France. The IFA helps us to find solutions,” Philippe Delahaye said after the conference. “The topic of innovation might merit a longer discussion than the one here today.” 

The representatives of Nippon Express

The IFA Chairman & CEO David Appia once again encouraged innovative local projects, as well as cross sectors ones like the Greater Lyon project.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Appia Reminded French attendees working in foreign corporations of the IFA’s support. “As directors or investors, you are ambassadors for our country, and we will remain at your side.” 

Satoka Tonegawa, in charge of the IFA’s Japan Desk, surrounded by investors