By Chen Yao, SCV Economic Development Corp.

A three-member team from the Los Angeles branch of Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) was given an extensive tour Feb. 2 of the different business parks at the Santa Clarita region hosted by Holly Schroeder, President and CEO of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp.

Prior to the site tour, the team from JETRO Los Angeles met with their counterparts at SCVEDC and both sides provided an introduction of their organizations. During the meeting, Holly highlighted the unique advantages and benefits of doing business at SCV, a pitch that was strengthened by the subsequent tour.

“The tour has changed my perception about Santa Clarita Valley,” said Sachie Vermeiren, Researcher at JETRO who coordinated with SCVEDC in arranging this trip. “SCV region is indeed a hidden gem, and we would like to do a special feature in our magazine focusing on what Santa Clarita has to offer to Japanese companies registered with us.” Also joining the tour were Yuzuru Kuwada, Diretor, and Dominic LoBuglio from JETRO.

According to a JETRO survey, today there are more than 1,000 Japanese companies in Southern California, of which about 700 companies are on record with JBA/JETRO, proving that the region is one of the leading global hubs for Japanese companies. Japanese companies account for a large portion of the total investment, not through acquisitions or capital participation, but by incorporating a business in the U. S.

JETRO is a non-profit organization funded by the Japanese government that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the world. There are six JETRO offices in the United States; each offers complimentary information and support to American businesses seeking to successfully enter and expand into the Japanese market.

For Santa Clarita-based companies who wish to expand into the Japanese market, SCVEDC can help connect them with the Business Development section of JETRO Los Angeles. JETRO has programs that support qualified businesses in all industries to establish an office in Japan, offering temporary office space, comprehensive consultation, information on incentives, and connections to all the service providers you need to make your investment a success. And as a Japanese government agency, it is able to offer all these services for free. If you are interested in taking advantage of these incentive programs, please contact SCVEDC at 661 288 4400 or info@scvedc.org