Doing Business with Japan
Export Lunch & Learn Webinar
Thursday, November 21, 2024 / Noon —1pm
The Indiana District Export Council will present the webinar "Doing Business with Japan". Japan represents a golden opportunity for Indiana exporters, combining economic strength with an appreciation for Indiana quality and innovation. As the world's third-largest economy with a GDP of $4.2 trillion, Japan has a sophisticated consumer base of 125 million people offering Indiana businesses a stable, high-income market eager for quality manufactured goods, agricultural products, and technological solutions. Indiana’s expertise in advanced manufacturing, particularly in automotive components, medical devices, and precision machinery aligns with Japan's demanding standards and technological needs.
Japanese businesses, known for their emphasis on long-term relationships, have already established deep roots in Indiana through numerous partnerships and investments, paving the way for Indiana exporters to leverage existing connections and cultural understanding. With the advantage of established trade infrastructure, there has never been a better time for Indiana businesses to tap into this lucrative and dynamic Asian market.
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About the Speakers:
U.S. Department of Commerce - Danius Barzdukas
Danius has a master’s degree in International Studies and has been a Japan Desk Officer at the U.S. Department of Commerce since 2001. He has recently begun serving as the Deputy Director of the Office of East Asia and Oceania. Barzdukas received a bachelor’s degree with High Honors in Germanic Languages and Literature from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in International Studies from the University of Washington. He taught English and did translation work in Nagoya. Originally from Cleveland, he is married and has three children.
Ford Meter Box - Bob Mason
Bob holds a marketing degree from I.U. with a concentration in Japanese. Bob joined the Indiana Department of Commerce in 1988 coordinating the attraction of Japanese investment. He later served as Deputy Director of the State of Indiana Japan Office in Tokyo assisting Indiana companies export to Japan. In 1994, Bob joined Ford Meter Box to develop markets in Asia and Oceania. He now serves as a Board Director, Vice President and Export Sales Manager supervising the company’s international market development in over 65 countries.
Scout & Zoe’s Premium Pet Products - Cindy Dunston Quirk
Cindy is the Founder and Chief Dog Lover at Scout & Zoe’s, a business she started to solve a need for her pups who both had food allergies. Since then she has expanded into products for canines, felines, equine, avian, and small animals globally. Not only has Scout & Zoe’s been delighting the pets of the United States, but they have been have been treating the pets of Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Canada, and beginning in December 2024 …. the United Arab Emirates.
ConMed / Consultant - Peter Jones
Peter spent 30 years with ConMed Corporation (CNMD), an orthopedic and medical device manufacturer which included experience with regional and global sales and sales management. His responsibilities included work with Japanese distribution partners and a locally based Country Manager. Peter was a member of the corporate team that established ConMed Japan K.K. in 2016. Following his tenure at ConMed, he worked for a fiber optic firm in international sales and then provided global sales consulting for a start-up based in Cleveland.