Japan

Japan, as the 4th largest global economy, presents an attractive prospect for EU companies. The EU-Japan partnership is based on shared values. Being a highly developed free-market economy, Japan is an attractive destination for EU products, services, and investments.

As the world’s 5th largest greenhouse gas emitter, Japan is actively working towards carbon neutrality by 2050. Its Green Growth Strategy, aiming for a 46% reduction in emissions by 2030, opens avenues for European SMEs in renewable energy and environmental innovation.

In May 2021, the EU and Japan established the Green Alliance to accelerate the transition of their economies toward climate neutrality, circularity, and resource efficiency. The partnership envisages cooperation in key areas such as sustainable energy transition, environmental protection, regulatory alignment, research collaboration, and business cooperation. With a shared vision for a sustainable future, both regions agree to work together closely on the international stage, creating business opportunities for European SMEs in sectors such as green technologies, renewable energy, and the circular economy.

The EU-Japan Digital Partnership, signed in May 2022, provides a forum that establishes impetus for collaborative work on digital technologies in areas such as secure 5G, “Beyond 5G”/6G technologies, safe and ethical applications of artificial intelligence, and the resilience of global supply chains in the semiconductor industry.  The partnership provides opportunities and scope for collaboration between EU and Japanese businesses.