JBCE会長ご挨拶 

2025年6月11日　臨時・年次総会

 <Reflections on the Past Year>

It was exactly one year ago, at this General Assembly, that I was appointed President of JBCE. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of representing the Japanese business community in Europe and taking part in several invaluable opportunities.

In October last year, we hosted JBCE’s 25th Anniversary event, welcoming officials from the European Commission and the European External Action Service as well as key stakeholders from our network. JBCE began its activities in 1999 with just 26 member companies and has since grown into one of the most prominent business associations in Brussels, now representing 115 member companies.

In February, I had the opportunity to participate in the EU-Japan Business Round Table as the leader of one of the Working Parties. On that occasion, I delivered recommendations from the Japanese industry to both the EU and Japanese governments - particularly in the areas of economic security and sustainability - reflecting JBCE’s discussions and positions. I took great pride in this representative role and was once again reminded of the strong influence JBCE holds in shaping policy.

<Trust and Expectations from Policymakers>

What has impressed me most over the past year is the deep trust and high expectations that EU policymakers place in JBCE.

As JBCE we do not merely act as a representative of Japanese corporate interests. We provide constructive, fair, and principled input to contribute to better EU policymaking. As a trusted bridge between Japan and the EU, we actively support the advancement of key frameworks such as the EPA, the Digital Partnership, and the Green Alliance. I believe it is our consistent and honest approach that has earned us this level of trust and credibility.

<Appreciation for Contributors and Commitment to the Future>

Formulating JBCE positions in the context of public consultations, coordinating across sectors, and conveying the unified voice of the Japanese industry - these are no easy tasks.

Yet, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our Committee Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and the Secretariat, these efforts are carried out with professionalism and commitment. I would like to express my deepest appreciation for your continued support.

I would also like to emphasize that the ideas and feedback from our member companies are the true driving force behind JBCE’s work. If you have any insights, concerns, or proposals related to EU policy or EU-Japan cooperation, I strongly encourage you to share them actively with our Committees and Secretariat.

In these uncertain times - marked by rising geopolitical tensions, trade unpredictability, and challenges to the international order - the importance of EU-Japan collaboration, built on shared values and common strengths, has never been greater.

In this context, I sincerely hope for your continued support so that JBCE can further strengthen its role as a bridge between Japan and the EU.

Thank you very much.

Mikihito Saito

President of JBCE

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