Seven Japan-based businesses were in Guam this week as part of a Japan Inbound Trade Mission hosted by the Guam Economic Development Authority and in partnership with the Western United States Agricultural Trade Association to provide opportunities for Guam businesses to explore potential export opportunities in Japan.
The trade mission was held in conjunction with the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association’s Pacific Hotel & Restaurant Expo, PHARE.
WUSATA is a non-profit state trade regional trade group that promotes the export of U.S. food and agricultural products throughout the world from the western region of the country, including Guam.
“The Japan Inbound Trade Mission provides an opportunity for our Guam companies to showcase our unique, island-made products and prove that we can compete on an international stage,” said Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero in a statement. “The trade mission builds on GEDA’s initiatives in the past few years to target the Japan export market and support the growth and expansion of our local small businesses.”
The trade mission included site visits for the Japan delegation to meet with Guam businesses in an effort to establish potential buyer-supplier relationships.
Participating Guam companies included Denanche’ Guam, Asiga, Everything Guam, Kingfisher’s Noni, Local Jerk Guam, The Coconut Tree Company, and The Green Turtle Coffee. The Japan delegation also participated in PHARE that included a product showcase for Guam businesses and a chef demo incorporating some of the Guam food products into the menu.
“Our local entrepreneurs are Guam’s ambassadors to the rest of the world, sharing our culture through their craft and products,” said Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio in a statement. “The trade mission is yet another step closer to seeing our products on the shelves of retail stores and used by food establishments and families in Japan.”
The Japan delegation included importers, distributors, food manufacturers, restaurants, and a culinary institute. The Japanese businesses were also accompanied by two local government representatives of the Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly.
“I want to thank the Guam Hotel & Restaurant Association for providing a space for our companies to share their locally made products not just locally, but to the region,” said Christina D. Garcia, CEO/administrator for GEDA in a statement. “Participating in PHARE is part of our continued efforts to support our entrepreneurs and encourage everyone to Buy Guam.”