Interview With Junichi Iwasaki, Director of the Aircraft Component and Material Industries Office at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI).
GBP Aerospace & Defence had the opportunity to sit down with Junichi Iwasaki, Director of the Aircraft Component and Material Industries Office at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI). As a key figure in Japan’s aerospace industry, Iwasaki provided valuable insights into the participation of Japanese aircraft components and technology companies in this year’s Singapore Airshow. With a diverse array of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) spanning multiple prefectures, Japan’s presence at the event showcases the nation’s innovative prowess and commitment to advancing aviation technology on the global stage.
Against the backdrop of Japan’s renowned precision engineering and technological innovation, Iwasaki shed light on the strategic importance of the Singapore Airshow for Japanese aerospace companies. From cutting-edge materials to advanced components, Japanese firms are at the forefront of shaping the future of aviation. This interview delves into the collaborative efforts driving Japan’s aviation industry forward and the significance of events like the Singapore Airshow in fostering international partnerships and showcasing Japan’s capabilities to the world.
Can you tell me a bit more about METI’s participation in this year’s Singapore Airshow?
The main purpose of our participation is to promote our SMEs in the aviation and aircraft component sector in the global market. These small and medium companies have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years that, of course, also happened to other companies worldwide as well.
Now, not only our SMEs are eager to expand their business even further, which is also to answer the challenge caused by the disruption of the global supply chain that was caused by the pandemic, but these companies are also feeling motivated to face new challenges in the aviation industry nowadays such as decarbonization, and the development and deployment of new technologies, for example. This will also incentivize them to further diversify their products as a result of interaction with the global aviation market.
METI also sees that the Asian market is going to drive up demand in the future. As indicated by global statistics, the market in the whole of Asia will see an increase of up to 40% percent in aircraft demand. Therefore we think we need to be more proactive to collaborate with other countries in the region.
For example, two years ago the governments of Japan and Malaysia signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC). This MoC has led to several joint projects between the two countries.
How about collaboration with other countries in Southeast Asia?
We have conducted several work trips in recent months to Vietnam, and Indonesia, and we found that these two countries are highly promising for us to enhance our cooperation with them.
Currently, we have no concrete existing collaboration with, for example, PTDI in Indonesia. But we would like to start as soon as time and opportunities allow.
I find myself fascinated by how METI organized five prefectures for each to send its multiple aviation-related SMEs. Can you tell me more about this?
Of course. Let’s take a look at Aichi prefecture for example. This prefecture is the center of Japanese aircraft and automotive industries, like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and others. So historically, Aichi prefecture has been the center of Japanese manufacturing industries that have also been supported by many other SMEs in the surrounding prefectures.
That’s why, due to the close coordination between Japan’s central government and prefectural governments, we are now bringing these SMEs to Singapore.
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