During his visit to Panama in May of this year, Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, had the opportunity to participate in a session of the Board of Directors of the Panama Exporters Association. The purpose of this meeting was to present the objectives and activities of JAPOLAC, aimed at supporting the Panamanian export sector in the demanding Japanese market.

Dr. Diaz provided a detailed insight into Japanese consumer behavior, market dynamics, and the characteristics of the import system. He also emphasized the vital importance of government support for Panamanian exporting companies seeking to enter this competitive market.

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

By invitation of the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the presentation of the “Latin American Economic Outlook (LEO) 2023: Investing in Sustainable Development,” which analyzes critical aspects related to sustainable and inclusive development in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).

The presentation of the LEO was held in the auditorium of the Embassy of Peru in Tokyo and was attended by members of the LAC diplomatic corps, Japanese authorities, corporate sector representatives, and other institutions.

The event began with welcoming remarks from H.E. Roberto Seminario, Ambassador of Peru, followed by H.E. Eduardo Frei, former President of Chile.

The main presentation was delivered by Mr. Sebastian Nieto Parra, Head of the Latin America and the Caribbean Unit at the OECD Development Centre, and Ms. Carolina Camacho, Country Economist at CAF. The presentation was followed by a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Hiroshi Wago Rojas, Director of Global Partnerships at CAF, with participation from panelists from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

Dr. Diaz exchanged greetings with Mr. Hiroshi Wago Rojas, Director of Partnerships at CAF, and conveyed the willingness of JAPOLAC to cooperate with CAF to promote sustainable development projects in the region of LAC. Dr. Diaz also greeted and thanked the Ambassador of Peru for supporting JAPOLAC activities.

The 16th edition of the LEO report highlighted the urgent need for improved investment strategies to promote a more sustainable and inclusive future in the region. The report provides policy recommendations to mobilize and attract investments that help advance a better production model, create quality jobs, and improve citizens’ well-being.

The LEO report is a collaboration of the OECD Development Centre, the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), the European Commission, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN ECLAC).

The full report is available at: OECD iLibrary.

 

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, participated in the Cuba Business and Investment Seminar, organized by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO-ITPO), the Embassy of Cuba in Japan, and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment (MINCEX) of Cuba.

The seminar was held at the United Nations University headquarters in Tokyo and was attended by representatives of Japanese companies, academics, journalists, and members of other institutions.

The event began with welcoming remarks from Ms. Fumio Adachi, Head of the UNIDO-ITPO office in Tokyo, and the Ambassador of Cuba in Japan, H.E. Gisela García.

The main presentation was delivered by Ms. Lizbet Díaz, Director of Foreign Capital Business at MINCEX, who provided a detailed explanation of foreign investment projects in prioritized sectors of the country, as well as Cuba’s export product offerings. Ms. Díaz participated as a guest of the UNIDO-ITPO Delegate Program, aimed at promoting business and technology transfer for developing countries.

The seminar also featured interventions from Mr. Toyonari Yamagishi, Executive Director of the Japan-Cuba Economic Conference, and Mr. Shintaro Akiyama, Director of the Central America and Caribbean Division of the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, and his wife, attended a farewell dinner hosted by Dr. Akitoshi Sato, Director of Minami Aoyama Implant Clinic, in honor of the Ambassador of Paraguay to Japan, H.E. Raul Florentin, and his wife.

During his term, Ambassador Florentin and his wife carried out an outstanding work in promoting various aspects of Paraguayan culture in Japan.

Dr. Diaz took the opportunity to convey his gratitude to Ambassador Florentin for his support of the Japan Association for the Promotion of Latin America and the Caribbean (JAPOLAC), since its establishment in 2020.

Dr. Diaz also expressed his best wishes for their continued success in their next new assignment in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Ritter Diaz, Representative Director of JAPOLAC, along with his wife, attended the National Day Reception of Azerbaijan. During the event, Dr. Diaz extended his congratulations to H.E. Gursel Ismailzada, Ambassador of Azerbaijan, and wished for the continued prosperity of the Azerbaijani people. Additionally, Dr. Diaz exchanged greetings with Mr. Natsuo Yamaguchi, President of the Komeito Party, and other distinguished guests.