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*Ms. Natia PAREKHELASHVILI,
Georgia, Associate at ADBI (Asian Development Bank Institute)

*Year and name of the training program in which he/she participated
Capacity Development for Investment Promotion (B). 2019

 

Impression of the Program Ms. Natia participated

The program enabled me to get a valuable experience to learn how Japanese companies make decision on investment expansion overseas, what should developing countries consider when initiating negotiations with Japanese companies, and navigate complexities in decision making process of Japanese companies on overseas investments.

Also learnt how manufacturing value chains are organized and attended a  few site visits in Japan, which was really impressive.
I am sincerely grateful to all PREX colleagues  who made our stay unforgettable and for our supervisor Dr. Kenta Goto for knowledge sharing and mentorship.

At that time, I was working at the economic development agency in my home country of Georgia <LEPL Enterprise Georgia>.
The valuable insights I gained from the program enabled me to contribute to the country’s investment strategy formulation, manage significant investment projects and deal  with enhanced professional capacity, and navigate post-COVID challenges in investment policy and promotion.

 

 Current work and situation

Time spent in Japan in 2019 during program, enabled me to explore Japan’s unique business approaches, which inspired me to also choosing Japan as a country where I would want to pursue professional Master’s   degree program.

In 2023, I completed a Master of Public Policy, International Program, at the University of Tokyo, with research topics focused on foreign direct investment (FDI), global value chains, and Japan’s FDI flows.
Currently I work in an international think tank in Tokyo, Japan, responsible on coordinating capacity building programs and knowledge products concerning various development topics.

My Future plans & message to PREX

I am eager to continue working in international settings, on economic development issues, including trade and investment, global value chains, and infrastructure  financing. I am also considering pursuing PhD studies.

It has been five years since I completed the program, yet I remain connected and up to date  with my training batch and colleagues from PREX.
It’s truly impressive to see how the program’s alumni network fosters friendships and collaboration, enhancing economic development efforts of countries by drawing on Japan’s development experience in trade, investment and other critical topics.