We Are Tomodachi Autumn 2017

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12Japan’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) form the backbone of its high degree of technological development. A large number of these businesses possess expertise and know-how that can help solve issues in developing countries. However, most SMEs find it difficult to conduct market research or procure proper personnel for carrying out overseas projects on their own. In response, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) introduced a new program for assisting the overseas expansion of SMEs. It enables SMEs to explore their technologies and products’ usability, and serves as a foothold for businesses that contribute to overcoming the obstacles developing countries are faced with. The program has been running for five years and substantial achievements made by Japan’s SMEs are beginning to emerge.One of these contributions is the work done by Japanese storage tank manufacturer Tamada Industries, based in Ishikawa Prefecture, to provide safer gasoline tanks to Vietnam. Most of the tanks used at gas stations in Vietnam are made of iron and pose a risk of leaking gasoline into the environment when they deteriorate. Double-wall tanks whose outer layer is shielded with fiber-reinforced plastics (FRP) can prevent such deterioration over time and ensure greater safety.Tamada Industries is the largest manufacturer of double-wall tanks in Japan. It has introduced a unique production method which fuses iron and FRP to increase safety, and specializes in high-precision processing. “The Feature: Hand in Hand for a Better WorldUnder Tamada Industries’ supervision, FRP is being manually crimped to a tank. A double-wall tank made in Vietnam is laid in the ground at a gas station in Ho Chi Minh City. Tamada Industries has founded a Vietnamese subsidiary and built a factory in the harbor city of Haiphong. Local production began in 2015.Yoshihisa TamadaPresident, Tamada Vietnam Co., Ltd. (Tamada Industries’ Vietnamese subsidiary)Japan’s SMEs Provide Solutions for Sustainable Growth