SMF signs MOU with Takasaki City

17 November 2016 – In celebrating 50 years of Japan-Singapore relations and economic links known as SJ50, this milestone is marked with the Japan Business Expo – Takasaki Day taking place tomorrow. This event will bring together Singapore business leaders from sectors such as travel and tourism, shared service centres, research and development, ICT, food processing, energy, waste management and consumer goods, connecting them with business leaders from Takasaki.

The city of Takasaki, one of the largest city in Gunma Prefecture, is an important manufacturing host for industries such as food, metal, and plastic products. This presents attractive trade and investment opportunities for the two countries. Hence, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the city of Takasaki and the Singapore Manufacturing Federation during today’s press conference.

Mr Douglas Foo, SMF President said, “Japan and Singapore’s economic ties have matured over the past 50 years. As well as the milestone of SJ50, the Japan-Singapore Economic Partnership Agreement (JSEPA), which was signed in 2002, is the cornerstone of our economic relationship.  The JSEPA was Japan’s first-ever free trade agreement, and Singapore’s first with a major trading partner. The JSEPA has not only created many business opportunities, but it has also fostered business stability, thus enhancing the mutual attractiveness of both markets.”

Signed by Mr Shinichi Aoshima, President of Takasaki Seinenkeieisya Kyogikai or SEIKEI and Mr Douglas Foo of SMF, the signing was witnessed by His Excellency, Mr Kenji Shinoda, Japan Ambassador to Singapore; Ms Low Yen Ling, Parliamentary Secretary of Singapore Ministry of Trade & Industry, Ministry of Education, and Mayor of South West CDC; and Mr Kenji Tomioka, Mayor of Takasaki City.

To learn more about SJ50 and its upcoming events, please visit http://www.sg.emb-japan.go.jp/events_SJ50.htm#SJ50