(November 29, 2007) The ever-changing business environment in California and the importance of the state’s trade with Japan received a close look recently when California Chamber of Commerce President Allan Zaremberg addressed the 14th annual gathering of the Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA).

More than 150 guests - Japanese and American business executives who work for Japanese-affiliated companies - greeted Zaremberg and Assemblyman Chuck DeVore (R-Irvine) at the November 15 forum.

Both speakers discussed critical issues for doing business in California and the vital contribution Japanese companies make in California’s economy. Zaremberg gave a recap of state policy activity on education, health care and water.

In 2006, U.S. exports to Japan grew to $59 billion, with imports from Japan to the United States growing to $148 billion. Foreign direct investment from the United States to Japan totaled $78 billion in 2004, largely in financial, software and Internet services.

California exports to Japan, the world’s third largest economy, increased to total $13.9 billion in 2006. Computers and electronic products accounted for 28 percent of total exports.

JBA is a California non-profit mutual benefit corporation, comprised of approximately 450 Japanese companies engaged in diverse business activities throughout Southern California. The group represents the interests of its members by enhancing the stature of Japanese contributions to local communities and improving the business environment for its members.

Forum Attendees

CalChamber participates in 14th annual California forum of the Japan Business Association of Southern California. Photo courtesy of Yuko Izumi, Lighthouse

Forum attendees (pictured from left) included JBA Executive Vice President and Secretary Akira Tasaki, president/chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Electric & Electronics USA, Inc.; Scott Keene, Keene and Associates; Consul General Kazuo Kodama, Consulate General of Japan, Los Angeles; Kurt Miyamoto, vice chairman of the JBA Business and Administration Committee and president/chief executive officer of Quest International LLC; CalChamber President Allan Zaremberg; Assemblyman Chuck DeVore; Gary L. Toebben, president/chief executive officer, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce; Professor Tayyeb Shabbir, California State University, Dominguez Hills; and Yasuyoshi Suzuki, chairman of the JBA Business and Administration Committee and vice president and regional manager, Western Region, Japan Airlines.

Trading Partner Portal

Launching the week of the JBA forum was the CalChamber web portal for Japan. The portal is one of a new series of online international portals featuring California’s top trading partners.

The new Japan portal features key country contacts, including business resources and cultural and educational references. Also available for easy reference are trade statistics as well as information on foreign direct investment in California. The new page also highlights California’s 2004 trade mission to Japan.

The trading partner portal for Japan can be found in the international section of the CalChamber website at www.calchamber.com/CC/BusinessResources/InternationalResources/Japan.htm.

Staff Contact: Susanne Stirling

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