CONFERENCE
2022 JNZBC CONFERENCE
Annual Joint Conference Beppu, Japan - 20-22 November 2022
The agenda for the conference is shaping up well with an excellent line-up of speakers and moderators from both sides (draft programme download here). Following the pattern of previous years, Sunday 20 November ‘tees off’ with a golf tournament as an opportunity for those interested in the networking opportunity this provides, followed by a welcome reception that evening for all delegates. The following morning will start with the all-important NZ Delegate Breakfast, which provides a chance for everyone to introduce themselves as well as receive an overview from our Ambassador and Trade Commissioner. The formal conference sessions and networking events will run thereafter through to around noon on Tuesday 22 November, followed by an industry tour for those who are able to stay on. Details on possible coach transfers from Oita Airport to Beppu, return will be advised once we know arrival/departure details of our delegates.
Essential Points to Note for Entry into Japan:
Please complete the Conference Registration Form and return to us by 30 September – click here.
Please complete the ERFS form and return to us by 05 October - click here
(details on the Business Visa application process are included in the Conference Registration Form)
While entry restrictions into Japan remain fluid and may ease over time (noting Japan has recently lifted the requirement for PCR testing), the requirement for the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (our counterpart organisation) to “sponsor” our NZ delegates attending the conference, as well as the need for delegates to apply for a Business Visa remains an essential requirement for everyone to enter Japan. In practice, this amounts to the JCCI signing a pledge guaranteeing that NZ delegates will comply with Japanese Covid health and safety regulations during their stay in Japan. In return, we have signed a MoU with the JCCI undertaking to ensure that NZ delegates are fully informed of the pledge and accept the need to comply with Japanese rules and requirements. New Zealand delegates need to accept individual responsibility for the costs of any medical treatment that may become necessary should they become ill or be required to isolate in Japan.
Flights
Air NZ is currently flying Auckland to Narita, Tokyo three times per week with both north and southbound departures on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through to 29 October before changing to Sunday, Wednesday and Friday departures from 30 October through to 27 November. Air New Zealand will increase the frequency to four times per week from 28 November and then six times per week from 12 December before returning to a daily service from 13 February 2023.
Please note that the day after the conference (23 November) is a public holiday.
Hotel
The JCCI have booked the Pastoral Hotel as the venue for the conference. Guest rooms are limited to 50, with priority given to NZ delegates. The hotel booking form is available to download here.
2021 JNZBC CONFERENCE
The 2021 conference was held for the first time as a webinar, connecting delegates in New Zealand and Japan via Zoom.
PROGRAMME:
Click here to view the Conference Programme.
JOINT CHAIR SUMMARY:
Click here to go to the Joint Chair Summary 2021 (ENGLISH)
Click here to go to the Closing Remarks - Mr Ian Kennedy, NZ Chair (ENGLISH)
Click here to go to the Closing Remarks - Mr Akira Ichikawa, Japan Chair (JAPANESE)
PRESENTATIONS:
Some presenters have allowed their presentations to be viewed by JNZBC members.
Click here to go to the Members Section.
2019 CONFERENCE
2019 CONFERENCE - 18-19 SEPTEMBER 2019, KASHIWA, CHIBA, JAPAN
Overview of Japan New Zealand Business Council Annual Joint Conference
The Japan New Zealand Business Council (JNZBC) held its 46th Annual Joint Conference in Kashiwa-no-ha, Japan, on 18-19 September. Attended by over 140 participants, the conference was a great success.
Kashiwa-no-ha was an obvious venue as a ‘smart city’ and host to the All Blacks prior to the Rugby World Cup. The timing of the conference was ideal also with the New Zealand and Japanese Prime Ministers meeting for government-to-government consultations.
Under the theme ‘Japan and New Zealand: Pathways to Progress’ the agenda addressed key issues to both sides, including infrastructure and investment; sustainable development, renewable energy and forestry; agriculture - functional foods; innovation and start-ups. Discussion of the Maori economy and tourism, and linkages through rugby, underlined the importance of cultural and sports exchanges in building the social infrastructure between the two countries - key to doing business.
Discussion on the current economic situation in both countries and the outlook for international trade underlined the key importance of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the negotiations underway on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in providing a firm foundation bringing new opportunities for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The quality of the speakers was outstanding, and the industry tour of Kashiwa-no-ha showcasing the lead role of Mitsui Real Estate as developer coupled with visits to Tokyo and Chiba Universities, provided an excellent opportunity for delegates to take a first-hand look at the smart city concept focused on the environment, healthy living, creativity and communications.
The conference included good time also for informal business networking during the tea breaks and at the Welcome Reception and Farewell Dinner. With the conference taking place immediately before the Rugby World Cup, and in a country where relationships are key to doing business, it was great to see the power of sport in bringing New Zealand and Japan closer together. A robust haka performed by Kashiwa-no-ha school children at the Welcome Reception was testament to that, and it was no surprise to learn about the amazing number of 'likes’ that AIG is getting in support of its advertisements featuring the All Blacks in Japan.
The Japan New Zealand Business Council will hold its 47th Annual Joint Conference in Rotorua in October/November next year - final dates yet to be set. Please keep an eye on the JNZBC website www.jnzbc.com for details.
JOINT STATEMENT (ENGLISH & JAPANESE)
CONFERENCE HANDBOOK & PROGRAMME
