Emperor Akihito and Grand Duke Henri at a concert in Akasaka Palace on Wednesday 29 November, at the end of the state visit. SIP/Jean-Christophe Verhaegen

Emperor Akihito and Grand Duke Henri at a concert in Akasaka Palace on Wednesday 29 November, at the end of the state visit. SIP/Jean-Christophe Verhaegen

The Grand Duke Henri, accompanied by his daughter Princess Alexandra, had been invited on a state visit to Japan by the Japanese Emperor Ahikito. The Luxembourg delegation comprised the finance and economy ministers, and a sizeable business delegation.

2017 marks the ninetieth anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.

New Japanese insurer

After the Japanese insurers Aioi Dowa Insurance and Tokio Marine had already announced their move to Luxembourg, a third insurer, Sompo, has also chosen the grand duchy for its European headquarters.

MoU with Japan Fintech Ass.

On 29 November, the Luxembourg House of Financial Technology signed a memorandum of understanding with Japan Fintech Association to develop cooperation. The MoU intends to strengthen bilateral exchanges between the two countries.

Space cooperation

A memorandum of cooperation on exploration and commercial utilisation of space resources was also signed between Etienne Schneider, minister of the economy, and Masaji Matsuyama, minister of state for space policy.

The government states:

“The five-year cooperation agreement between Luxembourg and Japan covers the exchange of information and expertise on the exploration and commercial utilisation of space resources and intends to further enhance cooperation in the field of space activities. The exchange of information may cover all the issues of the exploration and commercial utilisation of space resources, including legal, regulatory, technological, economic, and other aspects.”

Schneider and Matsuyama sign cooperation agreement

Photo: Sip

Cargolux and Nippon Cargo

The freight carrier Cargolux and Nippon Cargo Airlines signed a cooperation agreement, which will allow Cargolux to serve Narita airport in Tokyo.

MoU between Chambers of commerce

The Luxembourg chamber of commerce signed a memorandum of understanding with the chamber of commerce and industry of Tokyo.

MoU between Luxembourg and Japanese chambers of commerce

Photo: Sip

Conferences and pitches

Finance minister Pierre Gramegna held a presentation at the Luxembourg-Japan Business Forum on Luxembourg financial products and offers. A conference was organised, together with the OECD, the bank SMBC Nikko and the Japan Centre for International Finance, on green and sustainable funds.

Luxembourg for Tourism (LFT) also pitched the grand duchy as a tourist destination at the Luxembourg-Japan Business Forum. Several actors of the industry participated in a workshop with around 60 tour operators and travel agencies on Monday 27 November.

 The pop-up house with Luxembourg products is intended to promote the country as a tourist destination

Photo: Sip