Japan-Estonia Economic Relations

• Trade Volume and Main Trade Articles (Statistics Estonia, 2014)
  Exports to Japan:  59.8 million euros          (wooden products, timber, chemical products / recently started: milk powder, cheese, canned and jarred sardines)
  Imports from Japan: 23.1 million euros      (machinery, cars, auto-parts).

• Number of Japanese Companies in Estonia: (According to data from the registry of the Estonian Ministry of Justice and Embassy of Japan in Estonia, 2014)
  24 (Most under private management, overseas subsidiaries of Japanese companies)

In order to strengthen the promotion of inward FDI as the government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established “Contact Point for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan” to support Estonian companies intending to invest in Japan.

If you have any inquiry or requirement, please contact us as below.
We would like you to include your name, contact information, industry, and as much detail regarding your inquiry as possible so we can respond appropriately.

“Contact Point for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan”
in Estonia

TEL: (+372) 6 310 531
FAX: (+372) 6 310 533
E-mail: economy@ti.mofa.go.jp

For your information, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) also accept your inquiry about direct investment into Japan.
(http://www.jetro.go.jp/en/)

Representatives of NPOs working towards the reconstruction of the Tohoku region visit Estonia (January, 2016)

Four representatives of three non-profit organizations (Asuenokibou, Entrepreneurial Training for Innovative Communities (ETIC), The most beautiful villages in Japan) visited Estonia from 27–30 January in order to get acquainted with the current situation in Estonia regarding support for entrepreneurs, IT education, community development (country development) and industry activation (cultivating and attracting businesses etc.). These NPOs are working towards the reconstruction of the Tohoku region that was stricken by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.
The delegation was provided a briefing on Estonia by the Embassy and after that visited organisations such as the Estonian Investment Agency, The Information Technology Foundation for Education (HITSA) and the Innovation and Business Centre (MEKTORY) at Tallinn University of Technology.

Related link:
https://www.facebook.com/MekTory/photos/a.259870794105208.60309.247349688690652/933715630054051/?type=3&theater

Delegation of Fukuoka city government representatives and entrepreneurs visit Estonia (November 2015)   

In late November, a delegation of Fukuoka city government representatives and entrepreneurs visited Estonia. At a meeting with the Tallinn city government they discussed relations between the two cities. The delegation visited Enterprise Estonia, the e-Estonia Showroom, start-up incubators and IT enterprises. The delegates also visited the Embassy of Japan where they were provided briefings on Estonia and Japan-Estonia relations.

Fukuoka city delegation visiting Tallinn city government (Photo: Fukuoka city)

Chubu Economic Federation Delegation visits Estonia (13 November 2015)

On 13 November, Ambassador Kai and other staff of the Embassy participated in a dinner reception hosted by a delegation of 33 members to provide briefings on Estonia.

Left: Speech by Ambassador Kai (Photo: Chubu Economic Federation)
Right: Speech by the mission leader Mr. Mita (Honorary Advisor of Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc.) (Photo: Chubu Economic Federation)

Delegation from “Japan Usability Medical information Promote Conference”（JUMP）visited Estonia (23 October, 2015)

On 23 September, Ambassador Kai invited a delegation to his residence from the “Japan Usability Medical information Promote Conference”（JUMP）for briefings about Estonia. The delegation visited Estonia to learn from the progressive usability of its medical information and e-Health systems.

Delegation of enterprises from Fukuoka city visits Estonia（September 2015）

In late September a delegation of 19 entrepreneurs (including restaurant owners) from Fukuoka city visited Estonia. On 24 September, Ambassador Kai invited the delegation to his residence for briefings about Estonia and a dinner reception where representatives of Enterprise Estonia and the Estonian Association of Former University Students in Japan also participated. On 25 September, a Business Match Event for 50 Estonian participants was held in a hotel in Tallinn. Following a welcome speech by Ambassador Kai, the Japanese enterprises were presented and Japanese cuisine served so that everyone could enjoy some Japanese flavours.

Left: Group photo taken at the Ambassador’s residence on 24 September
Right: Welcome speech by Ambassador Kai at the Business Match Event on 25 September

Left: Presentation by Japanese enterprises at the Business Match Event on 25 September
Right: Japanese food tasting at the Business Match Event on 25 September

Delegation from Funai Consulting Incorporated visits Estonia (21 September 2015)

On 21 September, Ambassador Kai invited a delegation from Funai Consulting Incorporated and other companies to the residence for briefings about Estonia. The delegation consisted of 11 members, visiting Estonia to see how the “My Number” (individual number; social security and tax number) system influences society and companies.

Delegation from Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry visits Estonia (24 July 2015)

On 24 July, Ambassador Kai invited a delegation from the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Leader: Mr. Hayashima, President of Asahiya Shoten Ltd.) to his residence for briefings about Estonia and a dinner reception.

Business Seminar for Estonian Economic and Business Representatives（27 March 2015）

On 27 March, Ambassador Kai invited 43 guests – Ms. Anne Sulling, former Minister of Foreign Trade and Entrepreneurship (currently Member of Parliament), representatives of the economic and business sectors, and journalists – to his residence for a business seminar followed by buffet dinner reception.
Ambassador Kai first delivered a welcome speech and shared information about the growing number of high-level visits and business exchanges between Estonia and Japan in recent years mainly in the field of IT. Ms. Sulling then spoke about the contract signed this February regarding exports of Estonian dairy products to Japan, emphasizing that considerable progress had been made in such a short period. After expressing her gratitude for the efforts from the Japanese side, Ms. Sulling stated that further activities are needed in order to expand trade and business relations with Japan in various fields.
During the business seminar, Mr. Hanno Tomberg, Chairman of the Board at Enterprise Estonia, talked about recent developments and future prospects in Japanese-Estonian economic relations. Mr. David O’Brock, Managing Director of Molycorp Silmet, then talked about his business experience with Japan and offered some advice for successful business development with Japan.
During the buffet served with Japanese sake and sushi, active discussions continued among representatives of companies that already have business ties with Japan, or hope to have in the future. This January, Ms. Sulling conducted a working visit to Japan in her former capacity as minister. As a result of the collaborative work during the visit, Japanese trading company Marubeni and two Estonian dairy producers signed initial contracts to export dairy products to Japan. This agreement also inspired many positive discussions during the evening about the future development of business relations.

Left：Welcome Speech by Ambassador Kai

Right：Opening Remarks by Ms. Sulling, former Minister of Foreign Trade and Entrepreneurship

Left：Opening Remarks by Ms. Sulling

Right：Presentation by Mr. Tomberg, Chairman of the Board of Enterprise Estonia

Left : Presentation by Mr. O’Brock, Managing Director of Molycorp Silmet
Right：Buffet Dinner

Japanese Business Delegation visited Estonia ( 12 – 13 February 2015)

The Embassy of Japan in Estonia, Japan External Trade Organization（JETRO）and Enterprise Estonia co-organized the visit of “Japan Business Mission to Estonia ” from February 12th to 13th. The delegation consisted of 25 members, representatives of Japanese companies and JETRO. The delegation paid a courtesy call to H.E. Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia, Mr. Siim Raie, Director of the Office of the President, and H.E. Ms. Anne Sulling, Minister of Foreign Trade and Entrepreneurship. Among other activities, the delegation participated in Estonia-Japan Business Round Table (organized by Estonian Employers’ Confederation and Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and networking dinner reception with Estonian government and business representatives at the Japanese Ambassador’s Residence. They also visited E-Estonia Showroom, Muuga Port and so on. The delegation members asked questions on different aspects, especially related to IT and business environment of Estonia and had lively discussions during their visit.

Left：Estonia-Japan Business Round Table
Right: Courtesy call to Mr. Siim Raie, Director of Office of the President
(Credit: Public Relations Department, Office of the President, the Republic of Estonia)

Left: Courtesy call to H.E. Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Republic of Estonia (Credit: Public Relations Department, Office of the President, the Republic of Estonia）

Right：With H.E. Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the  Republic of Estonia (Credit: Public Relations Department, Office of the President, the Republic of Estonia）

Left: Networking Dinner Reception with Estonian government and business representatives at Japanese Ambassador’s Residence

Right: Networking Dinner Reception with Estonian government and business representatives at Japanese Ambassador’s Residence

Courtesy call to H.E. Ms. Anne Sulling, Minister of Foreign Trade and Entrepreneurship and briefing by Mr. Siim Sikkut, ICT Policy Advisor, Government Office

Lecture"Nuclear and renewable energy: opportunities and challenges" by Professor Yoshiaki Himeno of the Tokyo Institute of Technology (10 November 2014)

On November 10, the Lecture"Nuclear and renewable energy: opportunities and challenges" by Professor Yoshiaki Himeno of the Tokyo Institute of Technology followed by a buffet lunch reception was held in cooperation of the Embassy of Japan and Tallinn University of Technology at the university’s Innovation and business center MEKTORY. The lecture is a part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs international program that dispatches outstanding Japanese scientists and engineers to different countries to share information and make connections with specialists. About 80 persons attended the lecture, among them students, scientists and representatives of energy companies and industry organisations, the Q&A session that followed was a lively one. During his stay in Estonia Prof. Himeno gave interviews to the local media and had meetings with local scientists and energy company representatives.

Left: Lecture by Professor Himeno
Right: Moderator of the lecture, Dean of Faculty of Power Engineering, Professor Hamburg

Left: Opening speech by First Secretary of Japanese Embassy Mr.Hayashi
Right: Lecture

Buffet lunch reception

Meeting of Economic, Commercial and Trade Diplomats and Local Experts (19 March 2014)

On March 19th the Embassy of Japan hosted a meeting of economic, commercial and trade diplomats and local experts at the Ambassador’s residence. Ms. Anne Sulling, then advisor to the Prime Minister, and Mrs. Tea Varrak, Vice-Rector of Tallinn University of Technology (Director of Innovation and Business Center MEKTORY) gave presentations on subjects such as CO2 emissions trading, electric cars project and datamining projects between Tallinn University of Technology and a Japanese company.
Later 30 participants enjoyed Japanese food and continued active discussions.
On March 26th Ms. Sulling became Minister (responsible for foreign trade and entrepreneurship) in the new government headed by new Prime Minister Mr. Taavi Rõivas.

Tallinn University of Technology: opening ceremony of MEKTORY and Japan Room (13 November 2013)

On November 12th, Ambassador Mr. Tetsuro Kai participated in the opening ceremony of Innovation and Business Center MEKTORY of the Tallinn University of Technology. The ceremony was attended by President Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, President of the Riigikogu Ms. Ene Ergma, Minister of Economy and Communications  Mr. Juhan Parts, Minister of Education Mr. Jaak Aaviksoo, Ambassadors residing in Estonia, university scholars, businessmen and journalists. Japan Room was set up at Asian Corner within MEKTORY. Japan Room which was intended to be used for meetings or other purpose in the Japanese cultural atmosphere was jointly designed by the Japanese architect Mr. Tomomi Hayashi who lives in Estonia, and MEKTORY designer Mr. Tarmo Luisk, with some cultural supports or advices by the Embassy.  The photo shows the room on the opening day.
http://www.ttu.ee/en/?id=31155
 

Estonian government and Mitsubishi Corporation concluded cooperation agreement and first 5 Mitsubishi electric car i-MiEVs were handed over to the social workers. (21 October 2011)

　On the 21st of October 2011, Estonian government and Mitsubishi Corporation concluded cooperation agreement and first 5 i-MiEVs, Mitsubishi's electric car, were handed over from Mitsubishi. The fields of cooperation in the agreement were improvement of energy efficiency of buildings, production of renewable energy, ecological transport and energy supply to small islands of Estonia. Mitsubishi Corporation will support Estonia in financial supply to the project within the framework of CO2 emission sales quota.
Related link: Estonian Government web site (English)

On the same day, after the conclusion of the above agreement of cooperation, Estonian Minister of Social Affairs Mr. Hanno Pevkur handed over keys of the first 5 Mitsubishi i-MiEVs out of 50 that have been arrived in Estonia to social workers of Northern and Central districts of Tallinn city. Estonia sold CO2 emission quota to Mitsubishi Corporation last March. As a result of this deal, Estonia will receive 507 i-MiEVs for social workers of local government. 50 i-MiEVs will be distributed to social workers within this year.
Related link: Estonian Government web site (English)

Estonia’s cabinet approved the sales of CO2 emission rights to Mitsubishi Corporation and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. (3 March 2011)

1　CO2 emission sales to Mitsubishi Corporation
On the 3rd of March Estonia’s cabinet approved the sales of 10million AAU’s to Mitsubishi Corporation. Under the Green Investment Scheme the proceeds will be invested into promoting environmental awareness by the provision of 507 i-MiEV Mitsubishi electric cars and establishing a nation-wide charging system for electric vechicles.

For further information, please visit Estonian Government web site.

2　CO2 sales to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
The same day Estonia’s cabinet also approved the sales of 5.5 million AAU’s to Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. Proceeds from the sales will be invested into energy efficiency improvement of local govenment buildings and property that belongs to the public universities.

For further information, please visit Estonian Government web site