Building the Knowledge to Do Business with Japan

The Comex Cycle: Japan–LAC, a training series, equipped companies across Latin America and the Caribbean with practical insights to understand Japan’s market, build stronger business relationships, and identify pathways to international growth. Expanding into a new market requires more than a competitive product or service. Companies also need to understand the market environment, business culture, and strategies required to build lasting commercial relationships. The Comex Cyle: Japan–LAC, a training series, organized by ConnectAmericas, brought together companies from across the region to strengthen their capabilities and prepare for business opportunities in Japan. The virtual training featured 11 international speakers and 10 partner organizations, covering key aspects of doing business with Japan. Participants explored Japanese business culture and how to build successful partnerships, gained insights into the Japanese market and its trends, and learned about strategies for accessing and integrating into Japanese supply chains. The program also featured success stories from companies in the region already exporting to Japan, offering practical perspectives on navigating the market. The strong participation reflected growing interest in Japan as a strategic destination for LAC businesses. The training attracted 2,232 registered participants, with an average of 757 users connected live, representing 41 countries and 32 industries. Participants came from diverse sectors, including consulting, agriculture, consumer products, and manufacturing, highlighting the broad range of businesses that can explore opportunities in the Japan–LAC relationship. For companies in Latin America and the Caribbean, the key takeaway was clear: entering the Japanese market starts with understanding how it works. By combining market knowledge, cultural awareness, supply-chain strategies, and insights from companies with firsthand experience, businesses can be better prepared to identify opportunities and build sustainable partnerships with Japanese counterparts.