Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) has strengthened its international ties with Japan through the signing of a new Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI).
The signing ceremony, held in Osaka City, marked the 10-year anniversary of the Chambers’ first Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), underlining a decade of collaboration and shared ambition to support businesses on both sides.
The ceremony was attended by senior representatives, including Mr. Shingo Torii, President, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Vice Chairman, Suntory Holdings), Ms. Kyoko Hirose, Vice President, Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mr. Matthew Ellis, British Deputy Consul-General in Osaka & Expo UK Government Deputy Representative
Speaking at the ceremony, OCCI President Mr. Shingo Torii highlighted the importance of global partnerships for Japanese businesses:
“The overseas expansion of Japan’s small and medium-sized enterprises has been delayed, and this partnership agreement will provide a valuable opportunity for growth.”
The new agreement builds on Daisho’s recent partnerships with UK organisations and reflects the growing momentum in UK–Japan collaboration ahead of the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025.
It also celebrates a milestone in UK–Japan business relations, positioning both Chambers to drive innovation, trade, and investment opportunities across diverse sectors.
Paul Britton, CEO of TVCC, who addressed the room, reinforced the value of mutual co-operation, stating:
“Osaka has a similar economic scale to the Thames Valley, and we are committed to lending our support to help small and medium-sized enterprises thrive internationally.”
A copy of his speech can be found here.
This ceremony comes as the weeklong Trade Mission draws to a close. The Mission has been focused on the key sectors of innovation, technology and sustainability with a full day dedicated to attending the World Expo 2025.
