City explores Far Eastern opportunities
JAPAN IS AN IMPORTANT PARTNER TO THE UK, WITH A TRADITION OF COOPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO SPANNING 150 YEARS
TRADE opportunities with Japan were explored when Manchester welcomed the Japanese ambassador.
The visit from Koji Tsuruoka aimed to celebrate the region’s relationship with the country, while showcasing Greater Manchester as an investment and business destination for Japanese investors, especially in the areas of science, innovation, infrastructure and transport.
The visit was coordinated by MIDAS, Manchester’s inward investment agency (part of Manchester Growth Company), in conjunction with the Embassy of Japan and supported by BDP.
During the visit, Mr Tsuruoka met with Manchester’s Lord Mayor and attended meetings with key business representatives.
He also visited Corridor Manchester and met representatives from Health Innovation Manchester and The University of Manchester, before ending the day at The National Graphene Institute.
Mr Tsuruoka said: “Our two countries have an excellent track record in innovation and creativity and I believe that, inspired by our common values, we can continue to contribute to the global community in this regard. We are greatly honoured that Greater Manchester has just designated Japan as one of its international priority partners. You can be assured that our Embassy is always happy to support links between this region and Japan.”
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester council, said: “The region is already benefiting from collaborative partnerships with Japan.
“This can be seen through the work that Hitachi is doing here around big data that leverages the expertise of NorthWest EHealth, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre and Salford Royal NHS Trust. The partnership is already improving patient care in Greater Manchester and, in time, it will have an impact across the NHS and the rest of the UK.” Japan is an important partner to the UK, with a tradition of cooperation between the two spanning 150 years. Japanese investment into the UK has helped to create over 140,000 jobs. Japan is crucial to the UK’s future in a post-Brexit world and their expertise in areas such as infrastructure and technology will help Greater Manchester to drive the next generation of innovation.
Our two countries have an excellent track record in innovation and creativity Japanese ambassador Koji Tsuruoka