Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), is a government-related organization that works to promote mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. Originally established in 1958 to promote Japanese exports abroad, JETRO's core focus in the 21st century has shifted toward promoting foreign direct investment into Japan and helping small to medium size Japanese firms maximize their global export potential. JETRO's activities are outlined below:

• Promoting foreign direct investment (FDI) into Japan
• Facilitating economic growth in developing countries through trade promotion
• Cooperating in Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)
• Assisting Japan's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
• Supplying Japan with foreign economic information
• Promoting cross-border business tie-ups in high-tech and other key industry sectors
• Helping Japanese firms expand overseas and aiding efforts to protect intellectual property
• Researching developing economies (IDE)
• JETRO Membership: providing support and information on overseas business