Trade deal makes Japan a land of rising opportunities

Japan is the fourth-largest economy in the world (by GDP) and in 2016 exports by Enterprise Ireland client companies increased by 19pc to €149m. (stock image)

Tom Cusack

The concept of Wa, best described by the English word harmony, lies at the heart of the Japanese approach to business. Although it is important to search for a solution, this must not be achieved by disturbing the peace.

This July, the European Union and Japan reached a state of Wa, signing an agreement in principle on the main elements of a significant EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.