Calendar of International Trade Programs and Events

Sector: Automotive

Market Region: Asia and Australasia

Date: April 29, 2025 (18:00-19:30, EST)

The Government of Ontario is offering a webinar on market trends and opportunities in the Japanese market for Ontario-based businesses. Japan, the 4th largest global economy with GDP at CAD 6.02 trillion (double of Canada), and Canada’s 4th largest trading partner, also ranks as the 2nd largest consumer market worldwide. Japan and Canada are part of the CPTPP which eliminates tariffs on many goods and services, providing Canadian exporters with improved access to Japanese market. Japan’s population of 123 million (2025) faces demographic challenges, with 36 million (29.3%) aged 65 or older in 2024. As Canada’s sole G7 partner in the Indo-Pacific, Japan plays a key role in the region, aligning with Canada’s 2022 Indo-Pacific Strategy to enhance partnerships and address energy, food security, and climate change. Japan's industries span automotive, electronics, IT, healthcare, lifestyle, infrastructure, and energy. From 2025 onward, the country faces challenges including supply chain resiliency, digital and sustainability transformations, and competition amid protectionism. Despite committing to net-zero emissions by 2050, Japan relies on thermal power (72%) and limited renewable energy (9%), hindered by slow nuclear plant restarts. To combat climate change, Japan advances energy transition strategies like ammonia, synthetic fuels, and CCUS technologies, ensuring economic and environmental progress. In Japan, the aging society's medical needs become more complex and diverse. Japan estimated 13% of GDP in future healthcare expenses by 2040, when the elderly population peaks. We are honored to welcome Mr. Christian Howes (Senior Economic Officer, Ontario Trade & Investment Office in Japan), as guest speaker to discuss market trends and opportunities in Japan. The webinar will be conducted in English. 

Agenda: (1) Introduction, (2) Doing Business in Japan (Christian Howes), (3) Upcoming Missions and Programs (Stephen Ip), (4) Q&A Session

Presenter: 

• Christian Howes, Senior Economic Officer, Ontario Trade & Investment Office, Japan -  Christian has over 30 years of experience in investment advisory, specializing in Japanese companies. Since joining the Ontario government in 2021, he has played a key role in attracting major Japanese investments to the province and expanding Ontario’s presence in Japan. Leading the Tokyo team, he oversees trade missions and business engagements that strengthen economic ties. His career spans leadership roles in global sales, investor relations, and equity research at firms like Bank of America Merrill Lynch and SMBC Nikko Securities. He has also worked as an independent consultant, representing Canadian industries in Japan and advising governments. Christian holds qualifications as an investment professional in Canada, the U.S., and Japan, following his studies in Asian studies and business at McGill University.

Moderator:

• Stephen Ip, Trade Programs Branch, Japan & Korea -  Before MEDJCT, Stephen dedicated 28 years to Marubeni Corporation, a major Japanese conglomerate, where he specialized in international business development across sectors (textiles, aerospace, machinery, energy, power and infrastructure). At MEDJCT, Stephen works with the Trade Programs Branch covering Japan and Korea, and has delivered multiple business missions since 2023. Stephen holds a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Toronto and an MBA in Data Analytics from the University of Fredericton.

   

Contact: Stephen Ip, Japan & Korea, Trade Programs Branch, MEDJCT; email: stephen.ip@ontario.ca; 437-339-1529