The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will increase support for companies in Japan that wants to sell products abroad. The general strategy is to open more Japan Mall websites on large international e-commerce sites.
This support was first launched in Singapore on a trial basis last year with the backup of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO). They use a large network of partners with a deep working knowledge of local markets. Trading companies then buy Japanese products via Japan Mall. This system lets even small size businesses to avoid risk and high expenses when exporting.
Last month, in April, the ministry moved to add Japan Mall websites to large international shopping sites in 18 countries. For example, Alibaba in China will team up with METI for this program. JETRO will then support the buying of Japanese products that Chinese websites want to sell. Another example is Rakuten USA, which METI hopes to develop the market for Japanese food.
