JETRO offers export assistance

Minoru Yamano wants to help small businesses in southwest Missouri become exporters to Japan. Yamano is a senior trade adviser with the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), a nonprofit, quasi-governmental entity that exists to promote increased exports of American goods and services to Japan.

Yamano operates in Missouri under the aegis of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Yamano has been in his position since August. JETRO's senior adviser program was begun in 1991 and its senior trade advisers have since helped U.S. companies sell about $700 million worth of goods to Japan.

JETRO is particularly designed to help medium to small businesses that may not have resources available to commit to developing global markets.

JETRO offers online databases at its Web page,

www.jetro.org

where further information is also available. In addition, the agency will conduct or participate in seminars and workshops concerning exporting.

Yamano's office is in St. Louis. He may be reached by writing to 121 S. Meramec, Ste. 1001, St. Louis 63105, calling 314-863-3335, or via e-mail at yamano@inlink.com.