Feature
Issue No. 36 - August/September 2007
Japan on the rise again
After 15 years of economic stagnation, Japan has recorded three years of economic growth that offers great opportunities for Australian exporters.
With the Japanese Government actively encouraging Foreign Direct Investment, the environment is positive for a broad range of activities ranging from property services, labour saving technologies, healthcare services, training and IT to childcare services and financial services.
Michael Clifton from the Austrade office in Osaka said Japan's economic purgatory was over, “Japan is enjoying sustained economic growth,” he said.
“Company profits are on the rise, as is capital investment in new plant and facilities. There's a reduction in non-performing loans and elimination of excess headcounts, debt and production capacity, unemployment below four per cent and the Nikkei index is at a seven-year high.
“This makes it a great time for Australian exporters to re-assess their attitudes to Japan. It has been a long time since it has offered such positive prospects for trade.”
With a population of 126 million people and the second largest economy in the world, after the US, Japan offers the greatest re-discovery story of our times.
Despite its resurgent economy, the country still has problems to overcome. Consumer spending continues to lag while the high cost regulatory environment presents a persistent challenge.
The country also has low levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)....
