Japanese cosmetics hub to speed up AP import/export process

By Michelle Yeomans

- Last updated on GMT

Japanese cosmetics hub to speed up AP import/export process

Related tags Japan

The city of Karatsu is aiming to build a cosmetics industry hub that will replicate the French industrial center which will take strength from its strategic location.

According to the Japanese Times, the idea of the center derives from that of the ‘Cosmetic Valley’, an extensive cluster of manufacturers and research facilities dedicated to colour cosmetics throughout Paris.

Honorary president of Cosmetic Valley, Alban Muller is reported to have taken note of Karatsu’s easy access to Asia as currently cosmetics are exported from France to the likes of China and South Korea via Hong Kong, a shipping process that can take up to 40 days.

The city is based on the coast with access to the Eastern Chinese and Japanese sea so to have a hub based there would really cut shipping costs and significantly lower shipping / transport times.

Hub will greatly speed up cosmetic import process

According to the JT, there is also a neighboring town that grows herbs that can be used for cosmetics, which is also getting Muller’s attention.

The project is also said to be appealing to Karatsu itself and if it becomes a reality, cosmetics companies will create new jobs and boost tax revenues. “It will be a win-win situation​,” a city official said.

"The local economy is currently dependent on businesses related to the Genkai nuclear power plant, which has been idled since the Fukushima nuclear crisis started​," the publication stated.

Group effort from the city in this development

The city is also counting on Kyushu and Saga University to support product development through research on herb ingredients. The city is envisaging local businesses taking charge of manufacturing and shipping operations.

Mayor Toshiyuki Sakai went to France in April and signed a co-operation agreement with Cosmetic Valley, which is home to around 800 companies, including top brands such as Channel and L’Oreal, as well as 200 research institutes. The French hub ships products worth more than ¥2 trillion per year.

A group to be named the Japan Cosmetic Center will be set up in October in Karatsu. A preparatory meeting in July drew 12 groups from governments and academia.

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