Mizuho Bank Launches Overseas Business Matching Platform 'MIZUHO BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL'

Kokopelli Inc. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and CEO: Shigeru Kondo, hereinafter 'Kokopelli') and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. (Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, President & CEO: Masahiko Kato, hereinafter 'Mizuho Bank') are pleased to announce the launch of the 'MIZUHO BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL' service starting April 13.

Please check the following for service details and applications.
Service Details / Application

## Background of Introducing 'BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL'
In recent years, as Japan's population declines and the domestic market shrinks, coupled with the impact of a weak yen, an increasing number of mid-sized companies and SMEs are showing heightened interest in overseas markets. For companies aiming to expand sales and develop new sales channels, overseas expansion is becoming a crucial growth strategy. On the other hand, many barriers exist, such as differences in languages and business customs, developing local partners, and requiring specialized knowledge in trade practices. Entering overseas transactions remains a high hurdle for SMEs.

Considering these challenges, Kokopelli, which already operates business matching services in Japan, has been developing 'BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL,' Japan's first global platform specialized in overseas business matching, to support SMEs eager to take on the challenge of overseas expansion.

With Kokopelli and Mizuho Bank reaching a formal agreement to introduce the overseas business matching platform 'BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL,' they believe they can utilize Mizuho Bank's extensive domestic and international network, along with its rich expertise in supporting SMEs, to create an environment where more SMEs can take on the challenge of going 'from local to global.'

## About BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL
### The Mechanism of Overseas Business Matching
The overseas business matching platform 'BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL' is a new service designed to help Japanese and overseas companies meet beyond national borders and language barriers to expand business possibilities. The initial target region for overseas expansion is Thailand, with plans to expand to the entire ASEAN region in the future. This platform not only facilitates business matching for expanding sales channels and finding new suppliers, but also fosters innovation among SMEs and builds a foundation for the sustainable growth of SMEs from both countries in the global market.

### [Key Features of 'BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL']
- Business matching with overseas companies
Similar to 'Big Advance' already deployed in Japan, direct trade is possible with overseas companies that have transactions with financial institutions.
- Smooth communication transcending language barriers using Generative AI
Equipped with a translation system featuring proprietary generative AI for minority languages, enabling communication with business partners in their respective native languages. It features simultaneous translation chat and video calls with translated subtitles.
- Coordinator Intervention
Specialized coordinators are available to support smooth business negotiations.
- Support services from experts necessary for international trade
Extensive support services are available to supplement broad knowledge in areas such as international legal affairs, trade practices, and international logistics.

[Reference Press Releases]
Kokopelli and Mizuho Bank sign a memorandum of understanding for the introduction of 'BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL'
Decision to introduce 'BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL' to Mizuho Bank!

## About Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
Name: Mizuho Bank, Ltd.
Location: 1-5-5 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Otemachi Tower)
Representative: Masahiko Kato, President & CEO
Established: July 1, 2013
URL: https://www.mizuhobank.co.jp/corporate/index.html?rt_bn=c_header

## About Kokopelli Inc.
Name: Kokopelli Inc.
Location: Kioicho Building 11F, 3-12 Kioicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Representative: Shigeru Kondo, Representative Director and CEO
Established: June 2007
Business Content: Business Platform Business
URL: https://www.kokopelli-inc.com/
Main Services: 'Big Advance' management support platform for SMEs, 'BIG ADVANCE GLOBAL' overseas business matching platform