Arizona companies interested in expanding their business to Japan will meet with Japanese trade experts March 6th, from 9 am - Noon at the Flinn Foundation, 1802 N. Central Ave., in Phoenix.

The Az Dept of Commerce is hosting the business seminar in collaboration with JETRO, the Japan External Trade Organization. JETRO has been aiding US companies for more than 50 years, & has the experience & skills necessary in aiding companies to set up businesses in Japan.

Japan's Gross Domestic Product is 2nd only to that of the US & its solid growth through 2006 presents plenty of investment & trade opportunities in several industries. The Information & Communications Technology market's 1 of the leading drivers with a market value of $1.1 trillion dollars. This fast paced growth's due to advanced ICT networks & high broadband & mobile penetration, approx. 27 million subscribers & 95 million cellular subscribers. The biotech & nanotech markets are also expected to expand to $218 billion by 2010. Other industries such as aerospace & health care are excellent candidates as well.

Following the general presentation, a break-out session will feature healthcare leaders from Japan & Arizona. The panelists will address problems that are demanding new solutions in the areas of cost control, technology, increase efficiencies & others as they relate to an aging population.