How to grow your business in Japan and the Republic of Korea!

The Korean and Japanese Market have always been attractive for businesses across the world, and regardless of industries, most of well-established businesses, especially in Europe are focusing on expanding their operations and products there. That's how the idea of writing this article appeared. Together with Nathalie Noupadja from Deloitte Belgium and Ana Sarateanu from Eurochambres - the reputable platform that represents the Chambers of Commerce in Europe and the interests of 20 million European businesses, we're proudly presenting this informative article on how businesses can grow their roots and develop in the Japanese and South Korean markets.

Are you interested in growing your business in high-potential markets in Asia?

With this blog post, I’m excited to introduce you to the new EU Business Hub – Japan and the Republic of Korea programme funded by the EU. The programme is designed to enhance the presence and visibility of EU companies in the two high-potential markets in Asia – Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) – by participating in 20 business missions between 2024 and 2027.

Who can participate

The programme is open for EU Small and Medium Businesses (SMEs) and startups matching the following eligibility criteria:

• Active in the sectors of green and low-carbon technologies, digital solutions, healthcare and medical equipment 

• Exist for 5+ years (3+ years in the case of startups)

• Entirely or majority EU-owned and headquartered in the EU 

• Have solid business strategy for entering Japan and the RoK 

• Have sufficient turnover and number of employees to enter the target markets 

SMEs and startups can participate in up to 3 business missions distributed between both target countries, with the opportunity to engage in a maximum of two missions in the same country.

What does the programme offer

The participants can benefit from programme services, such as: 

• Targeted promotion of EU companies’ business in the local markets 

• Professional coaching support before, during and after your business mission 

• Insights on your sector in the target market and local business culture 

• Logistical support, a fully prepared business mission agenda and on-site support

• Matchmaking and pre-arranged B2B meetings with local key players

• Customised services in the amount up to €1000, such as printing, translation, legal advice and more

• Financial support up to €1000 for accommodation and customised services

Apply for the upcoming business missions: deadline in August  

The programme team is now working at full speed on the upcoming business missions to Japan and the Republic of Korea that will take place in December 2024. So don't miss out on this opportunity and express your interest now!

Let me also give you a more detailed overview of each business mission for you to choose and apply to the business missions of your interest. 

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Thanks to this business mission, 50 European SMEs, including startups, will visit the Republic of Korea and kick-start their internationalisation path in the Digital Solutions sector. This business mission presents a unique opportunity for EU SMEs to establish valuable contacts, showcase their solutions, build long-lasting relationships with Korean enterprises and explore new business avenues together. 

Target audience: 

• European SMEs including startups and Korean enterprises involved in the Digital Solutions sector, such as: Cloud Solutions, Artificial Intelligence
  (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), NextGen Computing, Semiconductors, Cybersecurity, Extended Reality (XR), Robotics, Software, Media & Telecommunication Infrastructure, Blockchain, Digital Health, Digital Marketing and Advertising, Fintech. 

APPLY NOW

50 European SMEs including startups will visit Japan and join Semicon Japan, a high-level trade fair bringing together companies in the field of the semiconductor manufacturing technologies, processes and their diverse applications (the 2023 winter edition was visited by more than 85,000 participants). 

Target audience: 

• European SMEs including startups involved in the semiconductor sector: 

• Advanced semiconductors and future applications (e.g. AI, machine learning, 5G/6G communication technology, etc.) 

• Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
(e.g. semiconductor design equipment, mask manufacturing equipment, wafer manufacturing equipment, etc.) 

• Components and materials for semiconductor manufacturing (e.g. process materials, test materials, assembly materials, etc.) 

• Services and software 

• European SMEs including startups delivering innovative semiconductor- related technologies, processes and applications including, but not restricted to quantum computing, power electronics, smart mobility and more. 

Keep an eye on the business missions catalogue, which is constantly updated with the new events. We would be delighted to guide you through the application process and help you expanding your business to Asia!

We hope this article helped you and your business learn more about the opportunities the Japanese and South Korean Markets offer. Our, TechBehemoths' advice - don't miss out on the events, and if you need more information or have any questions don't hesitate to write back to us, or to Eurochambers.eu