Flemish mission to Japan focuses on life sciences
Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele is leading a mission to Japan that will focus on life sciences. Flemish expertise in life sciences will be showcased on the global stage during Flemish Week at the World Expo in Osaka from Sunday.
Diependaele will first travel to the capital Tokyo with the Flemish delegation of companies, start-ups and knowledge institutions.
The schedule includes visits to companies with activities in Flanders, such as the manufacturer of film material and cameras Fujifilm, the producer of medical technology Fujirebio, plastics manufacturer Sumitomo Bakelite and medical equipment manufacturer Terumo.
On Tuesday, the delegation will travel to Osaka, where the World Expo is taking place. During Flemish Week from 15-21 June, Flanders - and Flemish know-how in the field of life sciences - will be in the spotlight.
The Belgian pavilion at the event is dedicated to human regeneration: efforts to restore, improve and prolong the quality of human life. Belgium presents itself as a global player in the field of biotechnology, pharmaceutical innovations and medical research.
Diependaele will also visit the Japanese, European, Saudi Arabian, Dutch and Italian pavilions. Meetings with research centre imec and electronics manufacturer Panasonic are also planned.
Important trading partner
Japan is an important trading partner for Flanders. In 2020, the country was Flanders' 18th largest export destination, with 2.69 billion euros. Today, it ranks 20th. Flanders is also the destination for the lion's share of Japanese investments in Belgium. Japan is one of the top 10 investors in Flanders.
Diependaele will also establish contacts with the Japanese business world in Osaka. A meeting with the chemical company Kaneka is planned, as well as visits to the chemical company Nippon Shokubai and Konishi, one of the oldest sake breweries in Japan.
On the last day of the mission, on Friday, Diependaele will attend the opening of the Health Week at the World Expo
#FlandersNewsService | The Belgian pavilion at the 2025 Osaka World Expo in Japan © PHOTO RICHARD A BROOKS / AFP
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