The Kyushu Economic Federation (Chairman: Yutaka Aso) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Singapore Business Federation on July 19 in an effort to propel business exchange. The agreement is expected to assist Kyushu companies expanding into Asia and increase investment in Kyushu. The agreement is the fruit of Mr. Aso’s first overseas visit as the new Chairman of the Kyushu Economic Federation in June. At the signing ceremony, Chairman Aso commented in fluent English, “This agreement will enhance exchange in the fields of environmental technology and renewable energy, and we expect corporate partnerships to increase.” According to International Enterprise Singapore (a government agency), “there is a great deal of interest in investing in Japan’s renewable energy, elder care, distribution, and tourism sectors.” Singapore’s GDP has jumped 4.3 times in 20 years and is now home to many large, well-financed companies. Despite having about the same population as Fukuoka, Singapore has gained attention from around the world. Increasingly, companies are establishing regional offices there to service surrounding countries including China, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Source: Nishinippon Shimbun, July 31
