Conference with WTO Director-General in Japan

May 2017

On May 22, JETRO held a business seminar under the theme of “Current issues in global trade,” taking the opportunity of a visit to Japan by His Excellency Roberto Azevêdo, Director-General of the WTO. JETRO Chairman and CEO Hiroyuki Ishige stated in his opening remarks that people around the world are now focusing on how the WTO will play a leading role under the leadership of Director-General Azevêdo in realizing global trade liberalization in the midst of rising protectionist sentiments seen worldwide.

Following Chairman Ishige’s remarks, Director-General Azevêdo took the podium and acknowledged that various challenges have been facing the global economy. He continued that “While issues regarding trade are sometimes discussed in connection with the problem of structural job losses, there is evidence from research that advancement of technology and innovation have a much more significant impact on employment than trade does. However, both trade and technology are essential elements in achieving sustainable global growth and development.” In addition, he emphasized that it is impossible to solve global trade issues outside a multilateral trade framework, and stressed the importance of the role played by the WTO as a well-experienced and functional organization, as seen in past achievements such as the creation of the “Dispute Settlement Understanding” system and the conclusion of the trade facilitation agreement in 2013. The Director-General concluded by expressing his determination to see a successful WTO Ministerial Conference in Buenos Aires at the end of 2017, as well as his expectation for the leadership of Japan.