Zimmer Tartu On January 30, 2001, the City of Yokohama and the City of Phoenix hosted a Yokohama Business Forum at Phoenix City Hall - everyone was pleased with the results. The Arizona Department of Commerce, Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce also helped to coordinate the event. Nearly 60 participants hailing from all areas of Arizona attended the event. Small & Mid-sized technology focused companies attended as well as large companies such as AT&T and Toshiba Engineering. Representatives from the US Department of Commerce, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ), the Honorary Consul of Japan in Phoenix, and Kanagawa Prefectural Government were also in attendance.

Noordwijk cheap hotels"In contrast to the weakened foreign direct investment in other parts of the country, Yokohama continues to enjoy a steady stream of new foreign companies entering its market", said Deputy Director Ken Akaoka in his presentation. The City of Yokohama has been actively inviting foreign affiliated companies to locate themselves in the City. The ever-increasing presence of foreign companies helps to internationalize Yokohama's economy while making it even more spirited. U.S.-based firms account for over one-half the number of foreign affiliated companies in the City.

As a result of the Yokohama Business Forum and the realization that Phoenix companies are very enthusiastic about doing business in Japan, there will most likely be an Arizona Trade Mission to Yokohama in October 2001. It is hoped that at least 10 private Arizona technology companies will come along on the Trade Mission. There is a growing sense that companies in Yokohama and Phoenix will increasingly do large amounts of business with each other.

The City of Yokohama New York Office hosts Yokohama Business Forums throughout North America to introduce Yokohama to business leaders. If your city would like to host a Yokohama Business Forum, please do not hesitate to contact us: info@coyokohama.org