Member Article

London Mayor to lead Japan trade mission

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, will lead trade mission to Japan this week as part of plans to create jobs and growth in the capital by strengthening ties with world cities like Tokyo and promoting London to the world as a major investment destination.

Between 13-15th October, the Mayor will meet with senior Japanese politicians, business leaders, investors and some of Japan’s most innovative and green thinking manufacturers in Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama.

Johnson will promote life sciences, tech and innovation, and champion London’s big brand retail exports. As Japan gears up to host the Rugby World Cup in 2019, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020, he will share London’s expertise in hosting major world sporting events.

Japan is the world’s third largest economy, while the UK is the top European destination for Japanese investment. Last year alone, Japan was the fourth largest investor in London with enormous potential to become an even more important partner.

Since 2003, Japan has invested close to £500bn in almost 12,000 foreign projects, creating 2.6 million jobs around the world. In 2014, trade with the capital totalled almost £950m and the Mayor is keen to build on this.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Japan is one of the world’s most important economic powerhouses with enormous potential for stronger partnerships with the capital. We have plenty of knowledge and expertise to share across many important sectors, including hosting major world sporting events. This is our chance to loudly bang the drum for London, strengthen our ties with Japan, and secure the long standing relationships we need to create an abundance of opportunities for Londoners and the people of Japan to work more closely and collaboratively in the future.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .