Tatsuhiro Shindo Named Chief Executive Director of Japan's Midwest Trade Office

CHICAGO, April 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Mr. Tatsuhiro Shindo has been named to head the Chicago office of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO Chicago). As the new Chief Executive Director, Shindo follows Muneo Takashi, who returned to Japan after completing his assignment in Chicago.

In his new position, Shindo will oversee the JETRO Chicago office in its activities designed to facilitate business development between Japan and companies in the 12-state Midwest region, and to support the activities of Japanese businesses in the U.S.

Mr. Shindo, 51, joined JETRO in 1982, following his graduation from the School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University. During his career, he served as Director of the Research Department at JETRO, Mexico (appointed in 1990); Senior Research Fellow, Institute for International Policy Studies (1996); Chief Deputy Director, Import Promotion Department, JETRO (1998); Chief Deputy Director, Economic Research & Analysis Department, JETRO (1999); Executive Director, JETRO New York, (2001);Director, Planning Division, concurrently Director, North America Division Overseas Research Department, JETRO (2008), and most recently Director, Planning Division, Overseas Research Department, JETRO (2009).

Mr. Shindo has authored, co-authored and edited a number of books, policy papers and articles. In January 2010, his book, "Basic Knowledge of Economy of United States of America: Policy of President Obama," was published by JETRO, and has become a bestseller in its topic category in Japan.

"In my new position, I would like to enhance mutually beneficial economic and business ties between the U.S. and Japan," Mr. Shindo commented. "I will continue efforts to expand foreign direct investment, exports as well as imports, to strengthen the relationship between our two nations. It is my hope to expand our scope of activities not only covering Midwest states but also the American Continent and the Western Hemisphere. I look forward to building many new friendships throughout the Midwest region."

Mr. Shindo can be reached at the JETRO Chicago office, 312-832-6000.

The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) was established in 1958 to promote mutually beneficial trade relations between Japan and countries around the world. As a non-profit, government affiliated organization, JETRO takes a leading role in initiating business and information partnerships with companies, organizations and universities. JETRO Chicago provides services in 12 Midwest states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

This material is distributed by JETRO Chicago on behalf of Japan External Trade Organization, Tokyo, Japan. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

SOURCE JETRO Chicago