Multiple Approach towards the Promotion of Trade & Investment

As part of its programme for the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg (August 26th to September 4th, 2002), Japan named September 1st "The Development Day". In order to stimulate fresh ideas about sustainable development and the how Japan can contribute most effectively, a number of presentations and discussions were held at Japan Pavilion in the Ubuntu Village.

As part of these presentations and discussions, JETRO organised the seminar relating to promotion of trade and investment in a multilateral environment. This seminar consisted of seven presentations by highly respected members of the public, civil, and private sectors.

Keynote Addresses: Multiple approach towards the Promotion of Trade Investment:
The first keynote address was by Mr Francis Moloi (Director: Trade Negotiations, Department of Trade and Industry, South Africa) who presented on the challenges for a developing country such as South Africa in pursuing a multiple approach towards trade and investment promotion, with special reference to the Doha Declaration and what would be required from subsequent negotiations to make the WTO more appropriate to developing countries. The second keynote address was by Mr Ichiro Araki (Director of Research, Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, IAI, Japan), and focused more on the opportunities for developing countries in pursuing a multiple approach towards trade and investment, especially within the current constructs of the WTO.

Multilateral Approach to Trade and Investment Promotion and Liberalisation:
Mr Chiedu Osakwe (Director Technical Cooperation Division, WTO Secretariat) made a presentation on multilateral approaches to trade and investment promotion and liberalisation, and activities within the WTO to make the Doha Development Agenda successful. This was followed by a presentation by Mr Karl P. Sauvant (Director, Division on Investment, Technology and Enterprise Development, UNCTAD) on UNCTAD initiatives to develop capacities within developing countries to assist them in their multilateral approaches towards trade and investment.

Japan's Approach towards Trade and Investment Promotion and Liberalisation:
This section of the JETRO session was opened by Mr Keiji Ide (Director, Developing Economies Division, Economic Affairs Bureau, Minsitry of Foreign Affairs, Japan) who discussed the emerging issues for developing countries regarding trade and investment, and how these countries can present their interests more effectively in a multilateral environment. Mr Ide's presentations was followed by a presentation by Mr Hiroyuki Wakabayashi (Executive Vice President, JETRO) on JETRO's activities to promote trade and investment between Japan and developing countries. The final presentation of the day was made by Mr Kazuo Korenaga (CEO, Mitsubishi Corporation, Johannesburg Branch) on Mitsubishi's experience in investing in Sub-Saharan Africa.