As a result of the approaches
by “Osaka Business and Investment Center” known as ’O-BIC' with its Secretariat
based in Osaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (OCCI), the European
Business Council (EBC) held on May 22 its ExecutiveOperating Boarding meeting at OCCI,
for the first time in the city of Osaka.
EBC in Japan represents chambers
of commerce and industry or other Japan-based economic organizations of 18 European
countries with its membership of about 3,000 European companies and individuals
as members, conducting vigorous activities for the best interest of such European
representatives in Japan, in regularly meeting with those of the Ministry of Economy
and Industry as well as in making constructive proposals to the authorities.
On the visit to OCCI for the Executive Operating Board meeting, 13 Board members with Chairman
Mr.Richard Collasse (President, CHANEL K.K. Japan) as the leader exchanged views
on various issues with OCCI Vice Chairman Mr. Makoto Kato (Executive Vice President,
ITOCHU Corporation), OCCI International Business Committee Chairman Mr. Satoshi
Adachi (Corporate Vice President, Marubeni Corporation) and other officials.
At the press interview after the meeting with OCCI, Chairman Collasse expressed his views on Osaka emphasizing his impression that the Osaka/Kansai is surely making a smooth recovery and also that its manufacturing industry is particularly strong with a great spirit of innovation.
Scene from meeting between EBC delegates and those of Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, OCCI and O-BIC
Chairman R. Collasse (center), OCCI Vice Chairman M. Kato (right), OCCI International Business Committee Chairman S. Adachi (left)
As President of CHANEL K.K. Japan,
Mr. Collasse expressed his keen interest in Osaka for its concentration or accumulation
of companies manufacturing unique new materials or fibers. He also commented on
expansion or renovations at Osaka's department stores one after another as being
symbolic of Osaka's motive power toward full revival of economy, as well as on
Midosuji, for its scale, beauty and potentials of energy that should be like the
Champs-Elyses of Paris. He emphasized his hope that he would like to further strengthen
the relations between Osaka and EBC through another meeting like this one next
year again.
