JETRO Topics

MOU signed with Nagaoka University of Technology and International University of Japan

May 2016

On May 24, JETRO concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning comprehensive collaboration with both the Nagaoka University of Technology and the International University of Japan.
These two universities were selected for the “FY2014 Top Global University Project,” and have been playing a leading role in globalizing human resources and their local regions. The three parties signed the MOU to achieve the following goals:

(1) Supporting companies in Niigata to expand business overseas

  • The three parties will cooperatively support companies in Niigata aiming at expanding business overseas.
  • Each party will take advantage of overseas sites possessed by the other. All parties will jointly hold a seminar geared toward Japanese companies in Vietnam, as each possesses its own office in the country. In addition, the International University of Japan is considering participation in the “Global Investors Meet” to be held in India where JETRO and the Nagaoka University of Technology took part in the past.
  • The parties will further revitalize the activities of “ICLOVE*” co-hosted by the International University of Japan and Minamiuonuma City, for which the Nagaoka University of Technology and JETRO have been providing assistance in dispatching experts. Through this activity, the parties will also support local companies in Niigata to expand business overseas.
    * International Collaboration for Local Organizations in Venture and Entrepreneurship

(2) Fostering global human resources

  • To integrate the humanities and sciences, the two universities worked together to establish a dual degree program in FY2015 which allows students to simultaneously gain degrees from both institutions. JETRO will cooperate to further develop this program through measures such as delivering lecturers active in various fields.
  • The International University of Japan has signed a memorandum of agreement for the “Global Partnership Program” with many major corporations in Japan, and holds meetings with them in order to accelerate HR globalization. The Nagaoka University of Technology and JETRO will explore the possibility of joining this activity.

(3) Drawing investment from overseas to Niigata
Minamiuonuma City has been focusing its efforts on drawing investment from overseas through establishment of its “Global IT Park.” Both universities concluded an agreement with the city to support this facility. Meanwhile, JETRO, a government-affiliated organization for promoting FDI into Japan, is deeply involved in supporting overseas companies and entrepreneurs in setting up business in Japan, through its extensive global network. In the future, all three parties will cooperatively focus their efforts on drawing investment from overseas to Niigata, including by providing assistance to the “Global IT Park.”

Following the signing ceremony, a seminar was held joined by around 100 people.