Tadashi Okamura, chairman of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, indicated in a recent interview that small companies may benefit substantially from the planned Trans-Pacific Partnership free-trade agreement, which could allow them to expand exports.
"Small companies are well-positioned to expand exports in the future," he said. "Many small companies have withdrawn from overseas markets due to their lack of knowledge about overseas business practices. They could benefit substantially from the TPP if it simplifies and unifies complex procedures and regulations."
Okamura noted many small Japanese companies with excellent technologies and services have depended on domestic demand, viewing overseas markets as special.
"Emerging countries will be the ones that grow in the future. As overseas markets expand, Japan's strong products and technologies will surely blossom."
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has decided Japan will seek to join the TPP negotiations, even though lawmakers and voters are divided over the decision.
"As multiple countries have offered to join the TPP negotiations, the prime minister's decision has helped pave the way for eventually realizing the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific scheme," Okamura said. "It is desirable that Japanese people agree that free trade would serve Japan's national interests."