TOKYO: Apple Inc. decides to build a new research and development centre in Japan, a project that is expected to create several dozen jobs in one of the company’s most profitable markets in the world. Japan’s Prime Minister Abe Shinzo unveils Apple’s plan.
Abe announced Apple Inc. in an election campaign speech outside of Tokyo, describing the project as a semblance of confidence on his economic revitalization program popularly known as “Abenomics”. Abe said in the campaign that “foreign companies have started investing in Japan”. Abe further noted that the upcoming investment from the tech giant is among the biggest in Asia, where Apple already operates research facilities in areas such as Taiwan and China.
Although Apple Inc. has its main research facility in Cupertino, California, the company relies on its international satellite R&D units for the services of experts and specialists that are otherwise not within its reach. It opened its first international R&D centre in Israel, and there are unconfirmed reports that the company may also open up an R&D facility in Cambridge. International research centres allow companies to leverage lower costs, including those associated with business operations and taxation.
Apple Inc. said in a statement that it is looking forward with excitement towards further operations in Japan, thanking Japanese customers for supporting its 30 years of existence in the country.
