Japan’s Geopolitical Trade Strategy – and What It Means for Germany and Europe

The Consulate General of Japan in Munich, the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP) and the Regional Forum Munich of DGAP cordially invite you to a joint panel discussion around the potential of Japanese-German/EU collaboration in challenging times.

2021 marks the 160^th anniversary of the signing of the „Friendship, Trade and Shipping Agreement” between Japan and Prussia – the starting point of a fruitful diplomatic and economic relationship. It is also a year of rising geopolitical tensions and economic as well as political uncertainties. How will deteriorating relations between China and the US influence global markets? And what part can developments in the area of multi-lateral free trade agreements play in meeting these challenges? These are some of the questions we would like to discuss with you and our panelists.

The event will start with opening remarks by Nobutaka Maekawa, Consul General of the Consulate General of Japan in Munich. He will be followed on stage by Prof. Kazuto Suzuki, Professor of the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo, who will discuss key aspects of Japan’s current foreign strategy; with a focus on the Indo-Pacific region. Dr. Claudia Schmucker, Head of the DGAP’s Geo-Economics Program, will in turn provide insights into Europe’s trade policy towards Japan and Asia.

The keynote addresses will be followed by a panel discussion with Prof. Suzuki and Dr. Schmucker, which will feature questions from the audience.

Registration

To join the event, please register here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the event via Zoom. Please note that the event will not be recorded.