Leaders from prominent Japanese and New Zealand companies will meet alongside senior government officials and leading academics in Tokyo at the second Japan New Zealand Partnership Forum which opens tomorrow Friday 30 October 2009 at 9.30 am Tokyo/1.30 pm NZ time.

Releasing programme and delegation details today, New Zealand International Business Forum Executive Director Stephen Jacobi, the organiser of the event, said representatives from well known Japanese companies such as Daiken, Hitachi, Itochu, Mitsubishi, Mitsui, Nissui , NYK, Oji, Orix, Sojitz, Shiseido, Sumitomo and Toyota among others would take part.

They will be joined representatives from New Zealand companies including Air New Zealand, Anzco, ASB Bank, Bancorp, Fonterra, Meat and Wool NZ, Meridian, Nelson Pine Industries, Pan Pac, Sealord, Solid Energy and Zespri.

“The strong interest in the Forum reflects the strength of the Japan NZ relationship and the interest in both sides in taking the relationship to a new level”, said Mr Jacobi. “As the economic recovery takes hold in both countries and Asian integration continues apace there is plenty of scope to enhance the partnership with the world’s second largest economy and New Zealand’s third largest trading partner”.

The Forum will be chaired by Mr Yoshiko Miyauchi, Chairman of the Japan Business Federation’s Asia Pacific Committee and Hon Philip Burdon, Chairman of the Asia NZ Foundation.  Key note addresses at the Forum will be delivered by the Prime Minister, Hon John Key, and Foreign Minister Hon Murray McCully and a senior representative of the newly elected Japanese Government.

Mr Jacobi said business sessions at the Forum would focus on “Partnership and the Real Economy”.

“The Real Economy” refers to those activities which generate economic and social value for customers, consumers, shareholders and citizens.  The Forum will consider how an expanded partnership in areas such as sustainable and renewable energy and resources, food safety and security can assist the economic recovery in both countries.”

Mr Jacobi said the Forum was an important opportunity to showcase New Zealand to Japan alongside other key promotional events taking place in Tokyo this week.

“New Zealand is well known in Japan for rugby, tourism and food.  The Forum’s programme includes a lunch which has been designed to showcase the best of New Zealand and Japanese cuisine at which Global CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Kevin Roberts will speak on the theme of leadership, business and sport”.

Mr Jacobi said the Forum would also consider how Japan and New Zealand can enhance their economic partnership to build a more prosperous region through expanded trade and investment.

“With the new Japanese Government openly promoting the concept of an East Asian Community including New Zealand and an officials process examining the basis of closer economic relations already underway, now is a good time to be in Tokyo” said Mr Jacobi.

The Forum will conclude with a reception hosted by Prime Minister Key in Tourism NZ’s “Giant Rugby Ball” which has been located next to the iconic Tokyo Tower.  The week’s events will culminate with a Bledisloe Cup match to be played at the National Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on Saturday 31 October.