Hello everyone. This is Takayuki Kondo. I visited Hong Kong and Mongolia on business last month.

Main purpose of visit to Hong Kong was market research. Hong Kong is a trading hub which links countries. About 150 small and large companies which deal in used auto parts are there. Used auto parts are imported mainly from Japan and Taiwan, then exported to various countries such as China, Mongolia, and other neighboring countries. They are also exported widely to the Middle East and Africa.

Japanese used auto parts are very popular in Hong Kong. Many buyers come to Hong Kong instead of Japan because it’s difficult for them to get a Japanese visa. I felt that it was important to visit sites and gather primary information.

I visited Mongolia after Hong Kong. Main purpose of visit was to support a distributor who made a contract with us last month and site visit. They will do business with us online connecting with our headquarter. Therefore, I explained them about our system. Our sales will be automatically reflected to their purchase through our system, and they will manage their purchase and inventory by the system.

What I surprised best in Mongolia was inordinate level of coldness. I experienced minus 37 degrees. When I breathed outside, my nose hair got frozen instantly.

I noticed that local buyers cared about quality of engines because road infrastructure was undeveloped in addition to the cold climate. With regard to auto parts, not only new models which were popular in Japan but also old sturdy models were popular because they regarded sturdiness as important.

The most popular car manufacturer in Mongolia is Toyota. I saw many Toyota Prius passing on the road. This is because Mongolia has the worst air pollution in the world, and the government subsidizes eco cars against the air pollution.

I thought that I could deepen understanding of what I already know by visiting the sites, seeing for myself, and experiencing with my five senses. I will continue to value field sites, listen to voices of customers, and look from the other person’s perspective.

Hong Kong

Mongolia