Government Of Japan Endorses APCO Worldwide as a Key Issues, Stakeholder & Policy Management Partner

Tokyo – July 24, 2023: APCO Worldwide was among six global agencies named in a recent guide published by the Government of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), recognized to be qualified to help fill various knowledge and skill gaps that Japanese and multinational firms may realize when they venture or expand abroad, Masayo Nagai, chairman of APCO’s Asia region, announced today.

“In particular, the METI Guide for Firms Using New Market Creation Services noted APCO’s strength in supporting globally-ambitious businesses with public affairs, advocacy and corporate communications in Japan and around the world,” Nagai said. “The global business landscape is constantly evolving, and for Japanese companies and MNCs entering or expanding in foreign markets, having an effective partner to support public affairs, advocacy and corporate communications is essential for any business seeking success and growth.”

“In today’s complex environments, it’s difficult to anticipate all of the external forces—policies and regulations, stakeholders and social concerns—influencing the outcomes of foreign markets,” Seiko Indo, managing director of APCO’s Tokyo office, said. “As leaders in public affairs and government relations, APCO’s knowledge of the issues and people influencing policy can help navigate around and through the factors that could impact your business’s success. Our expertise and relationships also enable us to anticipate and respond quickly to changes in the business environment.”

Many of APCO’s most successful clients also invest in proactive advocacy and campaigning, which enables their companies to establish and maintain partnerships with influential stakeholders—local opinion leaders, academics and civil society organizations—who share their values and interests. In addition to maximizing the likelihood of achieving immediate policy or reputation goals, APCO’s collaborations with local and community-based stakeholders can surface market insights and opportunities that inform strategic planning for other areas of business.

A well-crafted corporate communications strategy helps convey a company’s values, vision and activities in a way that resonates with the local audience and enhances brand reputation. Through tailored messaging and tactics, APCO can align corporate narrative with market-specific priorities and expectations, ensuring that company communication efforts are culturally sensitive and relevant. This not only facilitates awareness for market entry or expansion, but also fosters positive relationships with local stakeholders and creates space for companies to weigh in on local issues and policies.

When combined, APCO’s knowledge and experience in public affairs, advocacy and corporate communications addresses a substantial share of the needs and considerations outlined in METI’s Guide for Japanese firms looking to expand abroad.

For nearly 40 years, APCO has been a trusted advisor and partner to private, public and non-profit clients as they try to identify and manage new and emerging issues, challenges and opportunities around the world. Established by Margery Kraus as a single-person operation in 1984, APCO has grown to a global advisory and advocacy communications consultancy helping clients be catalysts for progress through its 1,100+ staff and International Advisory Council members in more than 30 markets, and having experience working in more than 80 markets globally, providing in-depth advice, perceptive guidance and creative approaches for its clients.