Upcoming Seminar in Kobe on Overseas Expansion for Food Companies

Seminar on Overseas Expansion for Food-Related Companies

On January 22, 2024, a seminar dedicated to overseas expansion in the food industry will be held at the Kobe Regional Government Building. Organized by the Global Food Value Chain (GFVC) Public-Private Council, this event will shine a spotlight on initiatives taken by companies from the Kinki region to expand their businesses internationally.

Event Overview

The GFVC Public-Private Council holds annual seminars aimed at providing information and increasing opportunities for food-related enterprises seeking to expand overseas. This seminar will take place in a face-to-face format, allowing attendees to engage directly with industry leaders and experts. Participants will have the chance to learn about the current status and future prospects of food manufacturers and restaurant businesses venturing into international markets.

The seminar will also feature presentations from officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Kobe Chamber of Commerce, who will discuss various support measures available for companies looking to expand abroad.

Seminar Details

- Title: Seminar on Overseas Expansion for Food-Related Companies
- Date: January 22, 2024 (Thursday) from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
- Format: In-person only
- Venue: Kobe Regional Government Building, Conference Room 4 (29 Kaigandori, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture)

Program Schedule

1. Opening Remarks
Presented by: Satoshi Shinozaki, Vice Chair of the GFVC Public-Private Council

2. Discussion on Overseas Expansion in the Food Industry
Presented by: Yukiki Okawa, International Information Analyst, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

3. Initiatives from the Tokai Region on Overseas Expansion
Presenters:
- Noritaka Takeda, President, Maneki Food Corporation
- Kisei Hong, Head of International Business, Otafuku Sauce Co., Ltd.
- Kensuke Yamashita, General Manager, Global Business Division, Chibo Holdings Co., Ltd.

4. Support Measures for Overseas Expansion in the Food Industry
Presenters:
- Kota Nishiura, Assistant Manager, Trade Promotion Division, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
- Tetsu Miyazaki, International Team, Kobe Chamber of Commerce

5. Q&A and Discussion
6. Closing Remarks

Following the seminar, there will be a networking session for participants. This time is an opportunity for attendees to connect and exchange ideas with industry peers.

Important Note: The seminar details are subject to change, so it's essential to confirm closer to the event date.

How to Participate

(1) Application Process and Deadline
Participants interested in attending are required to fill out an application form with necessary details by the deadline of January 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM. This seminar is strictly in-person, and there will be no online participation available.
[Application Form Link]
Application Period: December 12, 2023, to January 20, 2024, at 5:00 PM.

Please note that the seminar is open to all, not just GFVC council members. However, registration will close once the capacity of approximately 50 participants is reached.

(2) Attendee Guidelines
Participants are required to adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a smooth event:

- No photography or recording during the sessions
- Avoid disruptive behavior that could impede the event's progress

Additionally, attendees are encouraged to use public transportation or available local parking facilities when arriving.

(3) Media Inquiries
Members of the press who wish to cover the seminar should indicate their intent in the application form's free text section.