#Japan #Tokyo #Global Partners Consulting #JETRO #SME Training

GPC's New Initiative for SMEs in Overseas Business

Global Partners Consulting (GPC), a consulting firm based in Japan, has recently announced its collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) to implement a training program specifically designed to cultivate talent in overseas business development for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Scheduled to take place between June 3, 2025, and March 5, 2026, this program aims to provide crucial support for Japanese SMEs aiming to expand their operations globally.

Background of the Initiative

According to the Japanese government’s “Growth Strategy Follow-Up,” the objective is to boost the export volumes and local sales of medium and small enterprises to a remarkable 35.5 trillion yen by 2030. In line with this goal, JETRO is dedicated to supporting SMEs with excellent products and a willingness to expand overseas. However, a significant challenge lies in the availability of resources for these companies to develop in-house talent for sustainable international business operations.

Many SMEs face constraints such as limited budgets, insufficient knowledge, and time scarcity, hampering their ability to cultivate employees who can autonomously manage overseas business endeavors. To address these issues, JETRO has introduced a comprehensive training program targeting the development of personnel capable of driving overseas business as a core function within their organizations.

Details of the Training Program

The “Overseas Business Talent Development Program for SMEs,” as it is named, primarily targets employees engaged in export and foreign business sales activities. Participants will learn crucial skills such as developing international expansion strategies, creating effective presentation materials for negotiations, and preparing for meetings with foreign buyers, through a combination of lectures and group work.

The program consists of several phases, and GPC will be significantly contributing to its design and execution as well as developing educational materials. Experienced chief instructors along with co-instructors will provide tailored lectures. Drawing from GPC's extensive experience aiding over 800 Japanese companies in their international ventures, the firm will ensure that the training delivered is not only highly informative but also practical and applicable.

GPC’s Contributions

GPC will focus on two main aspects of this program:
1. Designing the training program and creating the necessary educational content.
2. Delivering expert-led lectures from seasoned consultants who possess a wealth of experience in assisting Japanese firms across various sectors, including consumer goods and industrial products, in their efforts to penetrate international markets.

Through personal consultations and strategic discussions with participants, GPC aims to provide constructive feedback on their negotiation practices and presentation materials, thus enhancing their chances of success in global markets.

Schedule and Application Details

The training program is divided into four phases, each with specific time frames for both sessions and registration:

• - June Session: Running from June 3 to July 4, 2025, with registration open from April 17 to April 28, 2025.
• - August Session: Scheduled from August 26 to September 26, 2025, with applications accepted from July 17 to July 29, 2025.
• - November Session: Taking place from November 11 to December 12, 2025, with a registration period from October 9 to October 21, 2025.
• - January Session (2026): Set for January 27 to February 27, 2026, with recruitment running from December 15 to December 26, 2025.

Japanese companies interested in participating in this training program should check the JETRO website for further details and registration: JETRO SME Training Program.

About JETRO

JETRO, with over 70 overseas offices and approximately 50 domestic facilities, is committed to fostering innovation and facilitating exports of agricultural products, as well as supporting SMEs in their pursuit of overseas expansion. They utilize a comprehensive network to make efficient contributions to Japanese corporate activities and trade policies.

Website: JETRO

About GPC

Global Partners Consulting has been a leader in offering a wide range of consulting services, including management, finance, overseas expansion, IT, and marketing. With bases in Japan, Singapore, and Vietnam, GPC has successfully supported over 800 Japanese companies in their expansion initiatives, presenting innovative solutions tailored to each enterprise’s strategic corporate objectives.

For more information or inquiries on overseas support services, please visit GPC's websites: GPC and Global Gateway Advisors.