* Environment-friendly printing plate systems become the standard in Japan

The Belgian Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan announced that the Nippon Export Award was given to Agfa-Gevaert Japan. Every two years the Nippon Export Award goes to the company demonstrating the greatest success in importing, exporting, or distributing products or services with Japan from Belgium or Luxembourg.

“Agfa Gevaert Japan was selected for the Nippon Export award because it was definitely the strongest contender, exceeding the criteria set by the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce Japan,” said Fabrice Tilot, President of The Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan. “Agfa Gevaert Japan has been very successful in turning around the company and change their product offer. They now compete with major Japanese manufacturers, thanks to a unique and eco-friendly product.

”This prestigious award proves that our strategy based on sustainable growth, technological innovation and cost leadership works. Our environment-friendly systems are appreciated by the customers and becoming a reference in the printing industry, even in markets where our competition is traditionally stronger. This opens opportunities,” says Stefaan Vanhooren, President of Agfa Graphics.
“Ecology is high on the industry wish list in Japan,” says Tim Van den Bossche, Regional President Region Asia. “Agfa Gevaert Japan is proud to be rewarded for our :Azura technology and our presence in the Japanese market.”

The 2009 Nippon Export Award ceremony is held on December 14, 2009 at the Embassy of Luxembourg in Tokyo, Japan.

About Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce Japan

Since 1978, the Belgian-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BLCCJ) has developed a more organized presence and visibility for Belgian and Luxembourg business in Japan. The BLCCJ assists both the Belgium/Luxembourg entities interested in doing business with Japan and the Japanese entities interested in doing business with Belgium/Luxembourg. The BLCCJ represents currently the interest of 140 members and is a founding and active member of the European Business Council in Japan (EBC). The BLCCJ is also the co-founder of the YES (Young Executive Stay) program, a biannual 2-week program which is aimed to support young Belgium/Luxembourg exporters.