Press Releases
G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Osaka-Sakai
“Welcome Reception” and “Trade and Sustainability - Environment, Development, and Digital - including Prospects for MC13” (Session 1)
October 28, 2023
On October 28, commencing at around 5:35pm, for approximately 40 minutes, and commencing at around 6:25pm, for approximately 115 minutes, in Sakai, Ms. KAMIKAWA Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, participated in the “Welcome Reception” and the “Trade and Sustainability – Environment, Development, and Digital” (Session 1), respectively. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. “Welcome Reception” (organized by Osaka and Sakai)
- (a) At the outset, Minister Kamikawa welcomed all participants to Japan to attend the G7 Trade Ministers’ Meeting in Osaka-Sakai, and appreciated efforts made by Osaka and Sakai in convening the Meeting.
- (b) Minister Kamikawa pointed out that, by learning from experience of Osaka-Sakai, the historic city rich in its enterprising spirit and led Japan’s economy through international trade, it is important to make progress in investing in people, expanding women’s participation, and strengthening public-private partnership, as actively promoted under the concept of New Form of Capitalism by the Kishida Cabinet.
- (c) In addition, referring to the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka, Minister Kamikawa stated that she will reinforce cooperation with local municipalities and business communities in Kansai region while striving for prosperous Osaka-Sakai, Japan and world.
2. “Trade and Sustainability - Environment, Development, and Digital - including Prospects for MC13” (Session 1)
- (a) Chaired by Minister Kamikawa, this session was conducted in a working dinner style. After re-introducing Nintoku-Tenno- RyoTumulus where Ministers and participants visited during the afternoon, representatives from partner countries and international organizations were invited to join discussion with G7 members. Minister Kamikawa led the discussion amongst participants whom discussed such topics as how trade and trade policy can contribute in making efforts to tackle global challenges including climate change and strengthening food security as well as promoting digital trade, and realizing sustainable development and enhancing inclusivity.
- (b) Minister Kamikawa pointed out the importance of inclusivity from the perspective to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and emphasized that it is necessary to take such viewpoints as gender and minority into consideration in addressing trade and sustainable development
- (c) The meeting emphasized that the G7 and international partners beyond the G7 will strengthen cooperation for the sustainable development of the global economy, and that trade will play a role in addressing challenges such as climate change and food security.
- (d) In addition, Minister Kamikawa introduced that dishes served are ingredients sourced from all over Japan, including Osaka, along with Hokkaido and Fukushima Prefecture. Minister Kamikawa emphasized the safeness of Japan’s foods that Japan places the highest priority on safety of foods, and providing explanations based on scientific evidence in a highly transparent and sincere manner.