International Business Meeting in Okinawa: Communicating the Advantages of Okinawa as a Hub Connecting Japan and Asia to the World

Okinawa Prefecture and the Okinawa Discussion Group held the international business meeting "Okinawa Grand Trade Fair Pre-Trade Fair" at the Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan City on November 14 and 15. Next November marks the 25th anniversary of the Okinawa Discussion Group's establishment, and the international business meeting "Okinawa Grand Trade Fair" is scheduled to be held. This pre-fair saw 131 companies (61 from nationwide, 70 from Okinawa) exhibit, with 102 buyer companies (79 overseas, 23 domestic) participating. Approximately 1,300 visitors attended over the two days, resulting in 1,800 individual business meetings.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony held in front of the venue

At the opening ceremony, Okinawa Prefecture Vice Governor Yoshikichi Kurayama read a message from Governor Hirokazu Nakaima, stating, "Through this pre-fair, we hope you will experience the appeal of Okinawan products and the potential of Okinawa as an international logistics hub." Kunio Oroku, Representative Director of the Okinawa Discussion Group, stated, "Amidst the world's rapidly developing trade, Okinawa Prefecture must strive for further challenges in human and material exchanges with Asian countries." Deputy Minister of the Cabinet Office Masazumi Gotoda delivered a message from Minister of State for Special Missions Kazuo Yamamoto, stating, "Gathering in Okinawa, located at the center of Asia, to conduct global business negotiations is a highly significant opportunity. We expect the Okinawa Grand Trade Fair to become a platform for presenting new forms of logistics business to the world."

The subsequent symposium featured a keynote address by Professor Ryuichi Teshima of Keio University on the theme "Okinawa as a Gateway to Asia: Prospects for Okinawa as a Logistics Hub." He discussed the current state of Asian trade from a global perspective, along with Okinawa's role and its significance. During the panel discussion with experts, opinions were exchanged on proposals and future prospects for Okinawa's further development as an Asian logistics hub by utilizing the "Okinawa International Air Logistics Hub."

Approximately 100 individual business meeting booths were set up at the venue, where companies actively promoted their products and services. Participants were seen enthusiastically conducting business negotiations aimed at securing deals. Participants shared feedback such as: "We established connections with companies outside Okinawa and overseas. It was a valuable opportunity for information exchange," "We want to actively expand into Asia using this as a springboard," and "We want to have access to high-quality Japanese products locally." The venue also featured freely accessible product displays and tasting booths, where exhibiting companies and buyers deepened their exchanges in a relaxed atmosphere.

At the farewell party on the final day, Governor Nakaima expressed gratitude to all involved and stated, "Looking ahead to the success of next year's Okinawa Grand Trade Fair, we will continue working together as one—the Okinawa Prefectural Government and businesses."

Exhibition booths at the venue

Lively business meetings