YES-Program

The YES program is a commercial export project under the auspices of His Royal Highness Prince Philippe of Belgium. It aims to train young executives from Belgium and Luxembourg in successful Japanese business practices, at moderate costs, and in a short amount of time. For this purpose, every two years, the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan, the Belgium-Japan Association & Chamber of Commerce and the Chambre de Commerce de Luxembourg organize a one-week training program in Japan, beginning with two briefing sessions in Belgium. The training in Japan consists of 2 days of group studies (lectures and company visits) and the remaining days are spent introducing each participant to potential customers and/or business partners in his business area. The YES program enjoys the support of the Embassies of Belgium and Luxembourg in Japan and of the representatives of the three Belgian Regions.

Who is the YES-program for?

You are a young executive working for a small or medium-sized company in Belgium or Luxembourg. Your company is interested in the Japanese market. You do not want to be one of the participants in a trade mission, but rather prefer to have a personalized hands-on program, which gives you direct contact with your potential customers and partners in Japan.

Program in Belgium: Seminars and Briefing Sessions

Two seminars covering items concerning export to Japan and Japanese business culture are being held in 2010.
Two separate days of intensive preparatory briefing sessions will be held for the selected YES participants in Belgium with speakers and experts on various topics concerning export to Japan.

Program in Japan: Group Studies and business meetings

The Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan is committed to get real business prospects for each participant.

The Group Studies

The seminars will cover different aspects of the business environment in Japan, including the recent evolution of the economy, types of enterprises, potential in different sectors, and general business practices as well as more specific aspects, such as commercial laws, trade barriers, shipping and distribution practices.

Introduction to the market: business meetings

Under guidance of a member of the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan (the "business coach"), and with the help from students from Sophia University in Tokyo, each participant will have the opportunity to contact potential customers and organize business meetings.
Each YES program participant will work individually with a business coach, who will be selected from a company that is related to the participant's business, but not in direct competition.

When does the yes program take place?

The one-week training program in Japan will take place 13-21 November 2010. The students will visit the participants end of August 2010.
The program in Belgium consists of two general seminars in 2010, and the two separate briefing sessions of one day each for the selected YES participants will be held in Belgium in September and October. Exact dates will be informed in due time.

Financial contribution from each participant

The YES program is at low cost to your company. The organizers will bear most of the direct costs of your trip to Japan, including your economy class airplane ticket, accommodation during the whole program, organization of seminars, Japanese language lessons, a reception at the Embassy where you can invite potential business contacts, and commercial support.

A token fee of 1,450 EUR to partially cover expenses should be paid to the BLCCJ upon confirmation of selection (foreseen May-June 2010). This fee is non-reimburseable. Please note that other costs such as your personal out-of-pocket expenses, including food, entertainment, and domestic travel are to be borne by the participant.

How to apply for the YES program?

Coordinator for Belgium:
The Belgium-Japan Association & Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Anja Oto-Kellens, Executive Director
Oto-kellens@bja.be
T +32 (0)2 644 13 33
F +32 (0)2 644 23 60

Coordinator for Luxembourg:

The Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Jean-Claude Vesque
jean-claude.vesque@cc.lu

Deadline for applications is Wednesday 19 May,2010.

Together with your application letter, we will ask you to send the following documents in English, by e-mail to info@bja.be  

• The application form (on-line application)
• A profile of your company
• Catalogues of the products/services you intend to promote in Japan
• A resume of the applicant
• Financial Statement of the company
• A tentative market study of the Japanese market
• Overview of your activity in Japan to present (if any)