As we present this report on G-BOC2000 (Global Business Opportunities Convention 2000), I would like to express our sincere thanks to the participants and all concerned for their contribution to the success of G-BOC2000. The annual event was attended by 544 business and government enterprises from 32 overseas economies and approximately 10,500 representatives from 2,500 Japanese companies.

The 15th G-BOC was organized with a more focussed approach, particularly for the pre-arrangement of "Individual Business Talks." The utilization of the Internet through the G-BOC web-site allowed the posting of each individual participant's business needs accompanied by pictures, and the receiving of applications for business talks and other programs. Notwithstanding the fact that this year for the first time Japanese companies were charged an admission fee, we are proud to have brought forth a total of 3,421 business talks which have resulted in 719 contracts either concluded or expected to be concluded.
The National and Regional Promotion Seminars program held concurrently with G-BOC 2000 provided the vehicle for 14 countries to present their latest business information. There was also keen interest in the 'Virtual Business Meetings' Support Plaza, which showcased fast growing IT companies from both Japan and overseas introducing their technology and software to support international business negotiations and transaction on the Internet.
Besides such programs as of this year and as an initial stage of Cyber G-BOC, trade information on 4,500 Japanese companies registered in G-BOC including their business needs in detail have been made available on our English web-site.
As the organizers of G-BOC we will continue to keep in step with the times and new needs and strive to become the place to nurture new business trends. In particular through further utilization of the internet we will do our utmost to enhance the annual face to face "Individual Business Talks" by offering the right information at the right time from around the world to help create new business opportunities.
We look forward to welcoming you to G-BOC2001 that will take place in Osaka for three days from October 22 to October 24, 2001.
Wa Tashiro
Chairman
Chairman The Organizing Committee of Global Business Opportunities Convention
Chairman
Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry