To mark the first anniversary of the entry into force of the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), a celebration event was organized on 4 February 2020 at the Delegation of the European Union to Japan. The event started with the speeches of Mr. Kajiyama Hiroshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ms. Mori Masako, Minister of Justice, Mr. Motegi Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and Ms. Patricia Flor, EU Ambassador to Japan, while Mr. Phil Hogan, EC Commissioner for Trade, addressed the gathering with a video message.
In line with its digitalization and innovation theme, the event focused on showcasing examples of innovative European and Japanese products in fields such as robotics, VR and AI. STEMI Hexapod educational robot, developed by Croatian start-up STEMI, was one of the 13 European innovative products showcased at the event. Hexapod attracted a lot of attention and questions from numerous guests that visited the Croatian stand.
In addition, various Japanese and European alcoholic beverages, including Croatian Dingac and Graševina wines, were also showcased and offered for tasting during the event since the alcoholic beverages sector is one of the main sectors benefitting from the EPA in both the EU and Japan.
The event was attended by numerous representatives of political and business life of Japan and members of the Diplomatic Corps many of whom visited the Croatian booth.
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