Maltese businesses operating in the environment sector have been invited to participate in the European Environment Technology Trade Mission to Japan, which will be held between 14 and 18 May of next year as part of the “EU Gateway to Japan” initiative.

The call is open to all local firms which provide waste management equipment for wastewater, off-gases, solid waste, as well as recycling, clean energy technologies and renewable energy, environmental recovery technologies that promote clean-up of the environment and for restoration of contaminated soil, lean production process technology, which minimizes the environmental impact of production processes, environment related biotechnologies and biomass technology; and recycling technologies and related engineering.

EU Gateway to Japan is an export promotion programme managed and funded by the European Commission. The programme assists small and medium sized EU companies in their efforts to export to Japan. It particularly targets companies that are newcomers to the Japanese market and those that have experienced difficulties in entering the Japanese market. The campaign offers local companies immediate as well as long-term benefits, such as the assistance and preparation in Europe, activities and support in Japan, Campaign marketing services, as well as facilitation services and financial support.

The third edition of EU Gateway to Japan covering the period 2002 – 2006, has been extended for 16 months, and is currently underway until June 2007.

Those interested in participating in the above events or would like to learn more about the Gateway programme can contact Malta’s National Co-ordinator Edgar Chircop at the Malta Chamber of Commerce & Enterprise on 2123 3873 or e-mail [email protected]