On March 12, the University of Santiago, Chile, in collaboration with Chiba University, carried out the first short online program under the University Internationalization Program coordinated by the Japan Association for Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

This three-week synchronous online program is designed to provide Chiba University students with an overview of Chile, covering topics such as the country’s rich copper, lithium, and iodine production, as well as insights into its thriving winery industry and an introduction of Chile’s salmon and forestry sectors. Additionally, the program includes a cultural exchange component aimed at fostering interaction between Japanese and Chilean university students.

The opening ceremony counted on the presence of distinguished guests, including Mr. Tsubasa Yagi, Chief of the Political Section of the Embassy of Japan in Chile; Honorable Ms. Angela Tobar, Second Secretary of the Asia Pacific Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile; Dr. Hiroaki Ozawa, Vice-President for Education at Chiba University; and Dr. Patricia Pallavicini, Vice-Rector for Community Engagement at the University of Santiago, Chile.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, expressed heartfelt appreciation to both universities for their collaborative efforts in organizing this short online program. He emphasized its significance in enriching Japanese students’ understanding of Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Dr. Diaz underscored that this initiative marks the beginning of closer academic cooperation between Chiba University and the University of Santiago, Chile.

JAPOLAC’s short online programs aim to provide Japanese university students with practical knowledge about Latin American and Caribbean countries, encouraging them to explore opportunities for further study and travel to the LAC region. Furthermore, these programs facilitate international communication in English, thereby equipping students from both Japan and Chile with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the global landscape in this digital era.

On March 11th, Dr. Ritter Díaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, had the opportunity to participate in the decoration ceremony for Mr. Junichiro Ikeda, Chairman of the Board of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL), and Mr. Toshifumi Akimoto, President of the Japan Firefighters Association, at the Official Residence of the Paraguayan Ambassador.

The ceremony was presided over by His Excellency, Raúl Florentín, Ambassador of Paraguay, who awarded the National Order of Excellence, Don José Falcon, in recognition of the remarkable contribution of the Japan Firefighters Association and MOL to strengthen the firefighting equipment of Paraguay’s fire departments.

Furthermore, the ceremony featured the distinguished presence of H.E. Rubén Ramírez Lezcano, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Paraguay, who was conducting an official visit to Japan.

It is important to highlight that the Japan Firefighters Association has made donations of firefighting vehicles and ambulances to several fire departments in Paraguay. Additionally, MOL has facilitated maritime transportation of firefighting equipment with a significant discount, given MOL’s important commercial relations with the Republic of Paraguay.

Dr. Díaz took the opportunity to congratulate both distinguished individuals, particularly Mr. Junichiro Ikeda, President of MOL, with whom Dr. Díaz had an excellent working relationship during his tenure as Ambassador of Panama in Japan, as MOL maintains a significant number of vessels registered under the Panamanian flag.

This generous support will have a significant impact on the capacity of several fire departments in Paraguay to combat fires, respond to medical emergencies, and provide greater security to the general population.

 

Dr. Ritter Diaz, the Representative Director of JAPOLAC, attended a welcome reception hosted by the Embassy of Jamaica on the occasion of the participation of Jamaican companies at FOODEX JAPAN 2024.

Her Excellency Shorna-Kay Richards, Ambassador of Jamaica, noted that this was the second time Jamaican companies had participated in FOODEX JAPAN, expressing gratitude to all organizations involved in supporting their presence at this significant food fair.

Alongside Jamaican companies, the event saw the attendance of representatives from Japanese companies, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Ministry of Economy and Trade of Japan, the Jamaica Tourism Board, among others.

Ambassador Richards also extended her appreciation to JAPOLAC for furnishing Jamaican exporters with essential insights into the Japanese market, aiding in their preparation for participation at FOODEX JAPAN 2024.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, attended FOODEX JAPAN 2024 with the aim of connecting with representatives from Latin American and Caribbean companies looking to introduce their products into the Japanese market.

During the event, Dr. Diaz held meetings with representatives from the Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) and the Bolivian National Exporters Association to explain the JAPOLAC activities to support small and medium-sized companies in Latin America and the Caribbean interested in entering the Japanese market.

The Latin American and Caribbean region was well represented at the event, with companies from Costa Rica, Jamaica, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico, and Colombia in attendance.

One of JAPOLAC’s primary objectives is to facilitate trade between Japan and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, with a particular focus on promoting small and medium-sized enterprises.

FOODEX is Japan’s largest food fair and took place from March 6 to 8, 2024.

 

On March 2nd, the closing ceremony for the sixth short online program, organized by Panama Technological University for students of Chiba University, took place, with the support of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC).

During the ceremony, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, extended congratulations to the administration and professors of Panama Technological University, as well as to the students, professors, and staff at Chiba University, for the successful completion of the program. Dr. Diaz highlighted that despite English not being their native language, the students embraced the opportunity to delve into Panama’s history, its canal, logistics, and nature, broadening their horizons beyond the confines of Japan. Their immersion in Panamanian culture, history, and society has been truly enriching, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Dr. Diaz also emphasized the integration of digital tools and processes into the fabric of education, both locally and internationally, offering a more cost-effective avenue for universities, professors, and students to engage in academic pursuits at the international level. He commended Chiba University and Panama Technological University for their enduring partnership and announced the forthcoming seventh online program in Summer 2024.

The closing ceremony also featured the distinguished presence of His Excellency Carlos Pere, Ambassador of Panama to Japan; Honorable Ms. Armonia Chang, Deputy Director of International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama; Dr. Hiroaki Ozawa, Vice-President for Education at Chiba University; and Mrs. Mabel Del Cid, Director of International Relations at Panama Technological University.

The short online programs are closely coordinated by JAPOLAC. The courses are meticulously designed to impart practical knowledge to students through digital platforms, with the primary objective of inspiring them to explore further educational opportunities in Latin American and Caribbean countries. They also provide an excellent opportunity for students to immerse themselves in international communication. In essence, these programs serve as a remarkable example of international academic cooperation, delivering value-added education to Japanese students.