Lots of networks and knowledge in Japan to tap into with BLCCJ!

With the Belgian-Luxembourg Chambers of Commerce abroad, the chambers in Belgium have a strong foreign network that can help their members in their international activities. Time has come to put this network in the spotlight. Sophie Bocklandt, General Manager of the Belgo-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan, invites us to get to know the numerous services offered by her team.

Can you describe your Chamber in a few words? Its history, members, staff…

Sophie Bocklandt : The Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BLCCJ) was set up in 1978 and currently counts about 130 members. They are a mix of businesses, big and small, and individual members from different industries. A few years ago we added a Starters membership to cater to young professionals. The BLCCJ is based in Tokyo, with 2 full-time multi-lingual office staff, who are supported by a Board of 12 Directors and several Advisors (all volunteers).

Which developments are happening in Japan that could be of interest to Belgian companies?

SB : Given that the 2020 Games did not go as hoped and worked for, expectations are high that Expo 2025 in Osaka will give Japan the opportunity to showcase its strengths, and for Belgian companies to get involved. In recent years Japan and in particular Tokyo is putting a lot of effort in attracting startups and establishing itself as a global financial city. And since SDGs are becoming increasingly important here, Japan could learn from Belgium where SDGs have been on the radar much longer.

Is it easy to promote Belgium in Japan, and how do you do this?

SB :Belgium has a positive image in Japan, although it is often limited to chocolate, waffles, beer, diamonds and “A Dog of Flanders”, considered a classic of children’s literature in Japan, paradoxically very little known here. The Chamber and of course the Belgian Embassy and regional trade offices do their best to highlight other strengths such as technology, energy, sustainability. Nevertheless it remains difficult to explain the complicated political situation in Belgium. Given the small size of our country, it does not make sense to Japanese business people to contact different organizations depending on which region in Belgium they want to do business with.

Our strongest point is the network we offer our members. Through our many events we create opportunities to not only get more insights on different topics, but also to network with other members, often from other Chambers of Commerce as well.

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How can the BLCCJ help Belgian companies in Japan, which services do you offer?

Our strongest point is the network we offer our members. Through our many events we create opportunities to not only get more insights on different topics, but also to network with other members, often from other Chambers of Commerce as well. Since the corona crisis we have created a strong network of 12 BeLux Chambers in Asia that regularly organizes webinars with high-level speakers such as Ministers and CEOs. We are also sending out regular newsletters, in which we not only provide useful information on the Chamber and the corona situation in Japan, but where we give members the opportunity to promote themselves towards the other members as well. Moreover, we have very strong relations with the BeLux embassies, regional trade offices, the European Business Council etc. So lots of networks, knowledge and experience to tap into!

Helping Belgian companies to get established in Japan is mainly covered by the trade offices here, but through our bi-annual YES program the BLCCJ does support up to 10 BeLux SMEs to explore the market in Japan. And the year we do not have YES, we give away the Nippon Export Award to a BeLux company that stood out in Japan.

Furthermore, despite our small office size, we can help with logistic support such as interpretation, translation, creation of name cards, introduction to business programs, introduction to office space etc. And even if we ourselves cannot, we surely can introduce someone in our network who does!

Can you give an example of a company you recently helped and how you did that?

Recently one of our restaurant members was looking for ways to increase income. Our office suggested to have a small corner selling Belgian goods. We helped look for those goods amongst our network, thereby supporting not only the restaurant but other members as well.

How can Belgian companies best contact you?

For more information, do not hesitate to contact the BLCCJ office (info@blccj.or.jp) or visit our website.

Sophie Bocklandt

After graduating in Japanese studies at Ghent University, Sophie Bocklandt worked for the Belgian pavilion at World Expo Aichi 2005, and afterwards returned to Japan via the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme. For 5 years she worked in Kanazawa, Japanese sister city of Ghent, at the city hall’s international department. After moving to Tokyo, she joined the BLCCJ as General Manager in 2012, and in this position has been supporting business relations between Belgium, Luxembourg and Japan for almost 10 years.

The Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan is one of the 33 Belgo-Luxembourg Chambers of Commerce (BLCCA) accredited by the Federation of Belgian Chambers of Commerce. They help promote bilateral trade between Belgium, Luxembourg and the country in which they are established. The Chambers are made up of entrepreneurs who know what it is like to run a business abroad. They provide a sounding board and support and help entrepreneurs with practical matters to explore new markets abroad.

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