日本政府目前正在几个领域实施雄心勃勃的改革, 从发展能源和农业到解决人口老龄化和性别平等问题. 日本拥有庞大的制造业，并进行了大量投资，以进一步提高这些行业的国际竞争力. 如今，它是世界第三大经济体，也是明升ms88备用网站在亚洲最大的出口市场.
Our diplomatic relations with Japan go back 150 years. 目前有1500家明升ms88备用网站公司与日本有贸易往来，其中大约150家在当地有业务. Due to the increasing international competition, many Japanese companies turn to Sweden to learn more about innovation, new business models and international success. 日本产业对与外国公司建立合资企业和其他形式的合作持开放态度.
Better access to the Japanese market
Japan has taken a more active role in support of global trade in recent years. The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which came into force on 1 February 2019, is a result of Japan’s new role to forge trade alliances. 这是欧盟有史以来最全面的自由贸易协定，并为进入日本市场提供了更好的条件.
Initially, the most concrete gains are reduced import duties, but there is also potential in the removal of non-tariff barriers, increased standard harmonisation, more access to public procurement and liberalisation of trade in services. 欧盟委员会估计，该协议将使欧盟对日本的出口增加16- 24%, and even up to 170-180 percent in some categories such as food.
High demand for new products
With a population of 127 million, Japan has strong purchasing power and a high demand for new products. Due to the ageing population, 保健日益重要——明升ms88备用网站被视为这方面的先驱, and Swedish solutions have a good reputation. 最近人们对斯堪的纳维亚设计和时尚也有了新的兴趣.
Potential risks
明升ms88备用网站公司面临的共同挑战是建立长期合作关系, finding staff who have the relevant competence and a good level of English, and getting access to key stakeholders. Our Trade & 投资专员Carsten Grönblad在下面的采访中谈到了更多关于日本市场的可能性和风险.
How we can help
Business Sweden has been active in Japan since 1972. 我们东京办事处的员工与明升ms88备用网站办事处的员工合作，以最有效的方式引导明升ms88备用网站公司进入日本市场. 从最初的市场分析和战略建议到寻找可靠的业务合作伙伴和技术娴熟的员工，我们都能提供帮助.
Carsten Grönblad
Trade & Invest Commissioner JapanWhat are the main advantages for expansion in Japan?
In addition to Japan being the world's third largest economy, 与日本大公司的关系不仅对解决日本市场问题很重要，而且对保持在全球其他市场的竞争力也很重要. 日本公司在几个行业都处于领先地位，他们拥有高技术知识. 因此，站在技术发展前沿的本地存在是很有价值的. 在日本的成功是展示公司全球竞争力的好方法. Competition is high, 但一家与日本领先企业合作的公司可能能够满足国际上对创新解决方案的类似需求.
What are the risks and challenges companies may face in Japan?
对于在日本的明升ms88备用网站公司来说，熟练员工的供应是最紧迫的挑战. 劳动力市场的特点是人口老龄化和失业率处于历史低位. 找到拥有合适技能的员工是一项重大挑战，尤其是在需要英语的情况下. 获得合适的本地网络并与日本公司建立长期合作关系也至关重要, authorities and other stakeholders. 这对没有知名品牌的新公司来说是一个挑战. 进行彻底的合作伙伴评估，以清楚了解潜在合作伙伴的网络和技术专长，这一点非常重要. The effort to reach impact takes time, but companies testify that once you have reached an establishment, business relationships are long-term and profitable.
Are there any cultural aspects to consider?
Generally, there are good grounds for cooperation between Japan and Sweden. It is important to be responsive, humble and to seek mutually beneficial solutions. Business morale is high, and it is important to be punctual. Expect several visits to the country before you reach a deal. 决策过程需要时间，因为有几个人参与，而且公司有明确的层级结构.
