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Japanese-German Forum

16th Meeting
October 2–3, 2007

16th Japanese-German ForumThe 16th Japanese-German Forum was held in Tokyo from October 2–3, 2007. Thirty-eight participants gathered to discuss various issues including the changing socio-political dynamics in Japan and Germany, East Asia regional developments, common challenges of energy and global warming and areas of cooperation, as well as fostering an environment of science and technology innovation to respond to social changes.

A message from Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who addressed the Forum five years ago, was read by Japanese Chairman Yuzaburo Mogi during the opening session, demonstrating the Prime Minister's appreciation for the value of and expectations for the Forum.

On the second day, some of the German participants paid a courtesy call on Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura.

At the end of the Forum, the two Chairmen prepared a statement summarizing the discussions, which was presented to Prime Minister Fukuda and Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Agenda

Tuesday, October 2

Session I: Changing Socio-Economic and Political Dynamics in Japan and Germany

Japanese Speakers:

• Yoshimasa HAYASHI, Director, Committee on Budget; Member, House of Councillors (Liberal Democratic Party)
• Koichiro GEMBA, Member, House of Representatives (Democratic Party of Japan)

German Speaker:

• Theo SOMMER, Editor-at-Large, DIE ZEIT

Session II: Recent Developments in East Asia

  • Rise of China and its Economic and Political Impact on the Region
  • Changing Regional Security Environment with Dynamic Interactions among Diverse Actors (United States, Japan, Russia, China, North and South Korea, etc.)
  • Prospects for Regional Community Development

Japanese Speaker:

• Akira KOJIMA, Chairman, Japan Center for Economic Research (JCER); Corporate Adviser, The Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Inc.

German Speaker:

• Eckart von KLAEDEN, Member of German Parliament (CDU/CSU)

Wednesday, October 3

Session III: Common Challenges of Energy and Global Warming

  • Domestic Debates on Energy Strategies
  • Promoting More Effective Information Exchange, Joint Research, and Joint Activities between Germany and Japan
  • Japanese-German Cooperation in Supporting Developing Economies

Japanese Speaker:

• Naoki TANAKA, President, Center for International Public Policy Studies

German Speaker:

• Rolf HEMPELMANN, Member of German Parliament (SPD)

Session IV: Innovations in Science and Technology to Respond to Needs Resulting from Social Changes

  • Role of Governments, Universities/Research Institutions, and Corporations
  • Incentives for Enhancing Innovations
  • Creating Enabling Legal and Administrative Environments for Innovation

Japanese Speaker:

• Taizo YAKUSHIJI, Member, Council for Science & Technology Policy, Cabinet Office

German Speaker:

• Klaus-Dieter MATTHES, Director for International Strategy and Multilateral Cooperation, Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)