Flemish mission to Japan focuses on life sciences
Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele is on Saturday leaving for a mission to Japan lasting almost a week, which will focus on life sciences. During the “Flemish Week” at the World Expo in Osaka, from 15 to 21 June, Flemish expertise in life sciences will be showcased internationally.
Minister-president Matthias 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 Flemish delegation will travel to Osaka, where the World Expo is organised this year. During the “Flemish Week” from 15 to 21 June, Flanders - and specifically Flemish know-how in the field of life sciences - will be in the spotlight at the expo. The Belgian pavilion at the expo 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.
In addition to the Belgian pavilion, Diependaele will also visit the Japanese, European, Saudi Arabian, Dutch and Italian pavilions. Meetings with the imec research centre 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 as the 20th export market for Flanders. Flanders is also the destination for the lion's share of Japanese investments in Belgium. Japan is one of the top ten investors in Flanders.
The Flemish minister-president will also establish contacts with the Japanese business world in Osaka. For example, 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 to Japan, on Friday, Diependaele will attend the opening of the Health Week at the World Expo in Osaka.
#FlandersNewsService | The Belgian pavilion at the 2025 Osaka World Expo in Japan © BELGA PHOTO Richard A. Brooks / AFP
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