Asia-Pacific Economic Integration Seminar in the US

In his keynote speech, JETRO Chairman and CEO Hiroyuki Ishige said he was concerned that, amidst an environment necessitating new rules in line with the growth of the digital economy seen even in Asia, the rule-making process appeared to be going forward without the US. Calling on the US to play a leading role in forming rules, he also emphasized the importance of an inclusive trade policy in order for SMEs and all workers to be able to enjoy the benefits of globalization. In addition, raising an alert over the serious effects of the US-China trade war, he mentioned the possibility for Japan to contribute to solving problems by taking advantage of the trilateral trade ministers’ meeting between Japan, the US and EU.

The following panel session featured a discussion between Yasuhiko Ota, Senior Writer and Editorial Writer of Nikkei Inc.; Apiradi Tantraporn, former Minister of Commerce of Thailand; and Yong Wang, a professor at Peking University, including about the importance of rule-making in the Asia-Pacific, the future of the trade friction between the US and China and the roles expected to be played by the US and Japan.