Queensland business reaches into Tokyo heart

Queensland business has gained access to the centre of its top trading partner, with the launch of the Queensland Business Centre (QBC) in the Olympic city of Tokyo, Japan.

Based in the commercial district of Kamiyacho, near Trade and Investment Queensland’s (TIQ’s) Tokyo office, the new membership shared facility established by Global Sky Group offers a “home away from home” for Queensland businesses.

Global Sky’s Managing Director, Ko Nagata, said the QBC was the result of a lifelong passion for Queensland, with the aim of helping the state’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gain a foothold in the world’s third-biggest economy.

“The QBC offers Queensland businesses a physical or virtual entry point to Japan, with all the business facilities and services expected from a fully serviced office, but at competitive rates and minus the headaches or fixed costs,” he said.

“Japan offers exceptional opportunities for Queensland businesses across a range of industries, and the centre’s location in the megacity of Tokyo provides a gateway to not only Japan, but also the greater East Asia market.”

Located conveniently above Kamiyacho station and near the government district of Kasumigaseki, the QBC provides a range of services for SMEs, including virtual office capabilities, bilingual secretarial staff, translation and interpreting, IT and telecommunications, private work spaces, business lounge and conference room facilities.

Importantly, the centre offers marketing assistance for members – particularly valuable for new entrants to the Japanese market – including market research and product sampling, along with support at trade fairs and other events.

New services are regularly being rolled out, including a daily “lounge membership” of just 3,000 Japanese yen (approximately $30), global human resources development and regular business networking events, including business presentation “future sessions”.

Welcoming the QBC’s opening, Queensland’s Trade and Investment Commissioner for Japan, Tak Adachi said the new facility would allow Queensland businesses to benefit from current growth opportunities in Japan and Asia.

“I would like to congratulate Global Sky on the creation of the QBC, which complements the trade promotion services provided for Queensland businesses by the TIQ. The trade and investment relationship between Queensland and Japan is strong, and the centre should help broaden this into new areas for the benefit of both,” Mr Adachi said.

Two-way trade between Queensland and Japan exceeded $16 billion in fiscal 2012 across a broad range of industries, from food and resources to advanced technologies and professional services, with Queensland Premier Campbell Newman’s upcoming trade mission to Japan seen further boosting longstanding ties.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s pro-growth policies have seen a revival of business confidence in Asia’s second-biggest market, with the economy expanding at an annualised rate of 3.8 per cent in the June quarter, while outbound merger and acquisition (M&A) investment hit a record high of US$110 billion in 2012. Tokyo is also set to host the 2020 Olympics Games, providing an estimated $40 billion boost to economic activity.

“Japan is on the up – and Queensland businesses need to seize the opportunities in this technologically advanced and culturally vibrant country. The QBC gives you everything you need to expand in Asia, but in a safe and supportive environment focused on your business success,” Mr Nagata said.

For more information, please visit the QBC’s website: https://qbconline.com/en.html