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About Us

Tokyo SME Support Center – International Business Section

The Tokyo SME Support Center is the International Business Section of Tokyo Metropolitan Small
and Medium Enterprise Support Center, a public-interest corporation established by the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government.

Tokyo Metropolitan Small and Medium Enterprise Support Center

In this section, we support the global expansion of Tokyo-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a wide range of programs, services, and on-site assistance.

Our Services

1. Strategy Development Support for Overseas Expansion

  1. (1)SMEs that are considering entering overseas markets but have not yet developed a clear plan
    Our advisors help these companies analyze their strengths and challenges and develop practical, tailor-made overseas expansion plans for their initial steps toward international business.
  2. (2)SMEs that have already approach overseas market and aim to further strengthen their presence by establishing local bases or forming partnerships
    For these companies, our advisors provide support in formulating detailed strategies and assessing the feasibility of setting up overseas offices, production sites, or collaborative structures.

2. Facilitating Business Matching and International Collaboration

Attending exhibitions and organizing business－matching events, we promote global business opportunities for Tokyo SMEs with our advisors assisting SMEs in developing overseas sales channels while helping them build the skills and knowledge needed to conduct global business independently.

What we do:

  • Organizing participation in international exhibitions and trade fairs
  • Hosting the Tokyo SME Pavilion to showcase products to global buyers
  • Conducting business-matching events
  • Implementing inter-regional economic exchange programs under MOUs with partner governments and organizations
  • Providing opportunities for SMEs to expand and to experience global promotion through our B to B portalOpen in a new tab and digital marketing initiatives
  • Supporting SMEs’ sales promotion through cross-border e-commerce (CBEC), especially in markets such as China and Taiwan
  • Product list of SMEs from Tokyo that we currently support

3. Expert Consultation on International Trade

To support the international activities of SMEs, certified advisers from the Association of International Trade Advisors (AIBA) provide expert guidance on topics such as:

  • Reviewing English-language contracts
  • Import/export procedures
  • Local business practices and regulations

This service ensures that SMEs operate smoothly and confidently in global business environments.

4. Developing Global Talent for SMEs

We contribute to building global competitiveness of SMEs by offering:

  • Leadership training for global business
  • Practical training and for international trade operations
  • Development programs for future local executives
  • One-on-one consulting with experts on talent development and organizational design for global business

These initiatives help SMEs strengthen their internal capabilities for sustainable international growth.

5. Local Support in ASEAN

To provide practical and localized assistance, we operate overseas offices and support desks in key ASEAN markets:

6. Strategic alliance through an MOU

MOU with KASIKORNBANK, Kingdom of Thailand concluded

MOU with The Ministry of Industry, Thailand concluded

MOU with Jakarta, Indonesia and Vietnam concluded

MOU with the state of NRW, Germany concluded by Tokyo Metropolitan GovernmentOpen in a new tab

MOU with the state of Texas, USA concluded by Tokyo Metropolitan GovernmentOpen in a new tab

7. Support for Overseas Companies Seeking to Expand into Tokyo

As part of our efforts to promote innovation among Tokyo-based SMEs through collaboration with overseas companies, we organize the ASEAN Business Partnership Seminar in five ASEAN countries. Through these seminars, we provide overseas companies—mainly from ASEAN countries—with information on Tokyo’s business environment, industry trends, and relevant support programs, as well as consultation services that support their entry into the Tokyo market and encourage collaboration with Tokyo-based SMEs.

Target Countries (Seminars and On-site Consultation Sessions)

  • Thailand (Bangkok)
  • Indonesia (Jakarta)
  • Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City / Hanoi)
  • Singapore
  • Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

＊Our advisors are seasoned professionals with a proven track record in international corporate business

Download our leafletPDF