The Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok (JCC) is an organization with a proud history of more than half a century since its establishment in 1954 and is the largest overseas Japanese Chamber of Commerce having 1,313 member companies as of April 2010. The JCC has committed itself to extensive activities in order to promote not only trading, investment or economical development, but also cultural exchange and educational support between Japan and Thailand.

It is the important issue for Japanese companies how to respond to growth in Asia. Many companies are planning to make more active investments in Thailand by relocating one of manufacturing functions from Japan or strengthening business operations.

In response, the JCC would like to improve investment environment in Thailand more actively. As the JCC has been trying to address issues such as the improvement of the systems of Customs Department, tax and ROH (Regional Operating Headquarters) since last year, the JCC will continue to submit opinions and demands to Thai government. Besides, the JCC will also approach the relevant organizations in Japan to solve your concerns including fund-raising for overseas Japanese SMEs in the same way as we asked Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan last year.

Next, the JCC would like to mention the partnership with neighboring countries. In January, ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) has been started in six countries including Thailand. The JCC assumes that the relationship with neighboring countries will be closer in procuring parts and raw materials in various ways and developing new market. The JCC will appeal to Thai government to promote conclusion of a free-trade agreement with each country and smooth operation of systems such as to issue necessary forms. In addition, as the JCC leads manage the Federation of Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ASEAN (FJCCIA) that was officially established last year, the JCC would like to strengthen cooperation with Japanese Chamber of Commerce in each country.

Then, the JCC would like to mention the problem of Map Ta Phut. Last year, Supreme Administrative court has decided to uphold the injunction halting 76 industrial projects that are both in operation and under construction in this area. If such a case is extended to other areas, there may have a big risk to business operations in Thailand. The JCC would like to continue to solve this problem as well as to entreat Thai government to improve the legal system to prevent such a problem again. If the JCC could share and utilize its experience and knowledge in Japan, the JCC would like to cooperate with Thai government proactively.

Finally, the JCC would like to mention social contribution activities. The JCC established JCC 21st Century Educational Fund Committee in the year 2000 and has engaged in activities such as the donation of chicken farm facilities to local elementary schools and implemented scholarship system for local university students. Besides, the JCC newly established the Social Contribution Fund Committee in 2007 and has worked on social contribution activities in the fields other than education. In order for the JCC to work on social contribution activities more actively in the future, it is necessary to take activities that both Committees are now doing as a whole and deepen discussion more. Therefore, the JCC will merge 「JCC 21st Century Educational Fund Committee」and「Social Contribution Fund Committee」, newly establish「Social Contribution Fund Committee」and then review what social contribution activities that the JCC shall work on in next 10 years.

The JCC will continuously commit a wide range of activities responding to your expectations. The JCC would appreciate your continuous support and cooperation.

Thank you.