Dear Esteemed Members of DCCJ,
As we step into the Year of the Dragon, represented by the mythical and powerful creature in the Chinese zodiac, I would like to extend a Happy New Year to each of you and your families.
2023 was a busy year where DCCJ reached many of our milestones. We managed to touch up our DCCJ website, agree to a new Membership structure, establish a new Communication and Social Media plan as well as strengthen our relationship with our Nordic Brothers (the Nordic Chambers of Commerce in Japan), through various joint events. All of this contributed to the continued growth and development of DCCJ. We welcomed 9 new Corporate Members and 12 new Individual Members. The upward trend seems to continue.
We had an official visit by the Danish Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, where the Royal Danish Embassy was kind enough to include us in a social event for a meet and greet. In general I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Ambassador, Peter Taksøe-Jensen, and the Royal Danish Embassy for great cooperation and support.
I am confident that 2024 will bring another busy year. We are already planning and setting dates for our usual events. We will have a Shinnenkai (new year) social event on the 18th of January. I hope to see you all there for a New Year's greeting. Further, the Annual General Meeting of DCCJ is set for the 14th of March at the Royal Danish Embassy. We communicate all our event dates ahead, so there will be plenty of time to put it in your calendars.
A reminder again, DCCJ is here for our Members, and we aim to design the program as to your wishes and liking. However, DCCJ would also be nothing without its Members, so I hope you will join in and take part in our community. Participate in events, attend seminars, and let your coworkers in your company know about the many great opportunities within our organization. All so, that DCCJ may continue to thrive for many years to come.
If you haven't heard yet, Josefine Praestekjaer is hired now as our full time Executive Director. She and I remain at your service, and our door is always open. I would also like to thank Josefine for her dedication and hard work in 2023.
Finally, as we embrace the luck and auspiciousness associated with the dragon, may it bring unprecedented opportunities.
Wishing you a year filled with success, growth, and joy.
Warm regards,
Peter Roland
Chairman, Danish Chamber of Commerce in Japan