Rochdale set to welcome Japanese guests

International Year of Co-operatives logo

A Minister from the Embassy of Japan will be joined by a delegation of Japanese business people at a special event to celebrate the 2012 International Year of Co-operatives next month.

Representatives from companies across the north west whose companies have links to Japan will join Minister Ito for the occasion. As well as a meal at Rochdale Town Hall, hosted by the Mayor, the celebratory evening will also include a trip to the Pioneers Museum in Toad Lane.

Japan has been a long-standing supporter of the Co-operative Movement and the largest number of overseas visitors to the museum come from the country.

With the borough having been named as the World Capital of Co-operatives, the event will be the perfect way to mark the special year and raise the profile of the local business community.

Councillor James Gartside, Mayor of the Borough of Rochdale, said: “I’m very much looking forward to welcoming Minister Ito and his delegation to Rochdale.

“It will be fascinating to hear at first hand the important role that the Co-operative Movement has played in Japan while I’m sure our guests will enjoy visiting our beautiful Town Hall and the fascinating Pioneers Museum at Toad Lane.”

Councillor Peter Williams, Deputy Leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We have been running a large programme of events across the borough to celebrate the International Year of Co-operatives so I’m delighted that we are able to involve our business community in this way.

“Our shared co-operative ideals have seen Rochdale and Japan forge close links down the years and I’m sure these will be further strengthened by the visit.”