Economic & Exchanges

October Trade Delegation Visit to Japan

– by Richard Takai

In October 2010, the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission (COEDC) organized a trade delegation to visit Kasugai and the Nagoya region of Japan. The timing of the visit was coordinated to overlap with the Sister City delegation's trip and the annual Kasugai Festival. Scot Speiser, Chair of the COEDC Advisory Board, and Richard Takai, Export Development Officer, represented the COEDC, and were joined by Wes Shields, President of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from local companies and schools. The delegation met with private sector companies and educational institutions, as well as with organizations such as the Kasugai Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Nagoya Initiative, and the Nagoya Chamber of Commerce.
Opportunities in high tech, construction, building products, and personal care sectors are being pursued. The COEDC is continuing to work with companies and schools interested in developing relationships with counterparts in Japan and further expand economic ties with Kasugai and other areas of Japan.