Chicago Symposium to Examine Developments in Asia-Pacific Economic Integration and the Role of the US and Japan

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - Apr 23, 2013) - On Wednesday, May 15, 2013, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), in conjunction with the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, will hold a Symposium on Asia-Pacific Economic Integration and the Role of the US and Japan.

Countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region continue to pursue agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the Japan-China-Korea FTA and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) between ASEAN, Japan, China, Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand. Experts from the US, Japan, China and Singapore will discuss the increasingly intricate web of bilateral & multilateral free trade agreements and discuss the challenges and opportunities they bring. This analysis and dialogue will be of particular significance to those in the Midwest with business and investment interests in East Asia.

Featured speakers will include: Hiroyuki Ishige, Chairman and CEO, JETRO; Dr. Hank Lim, Senior Research Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs; Dr. Zhang Jianping, Director, Department of International Economic Cooperation, Institute for International Economic Research, National Development and Reform Commission of China; Dr. Shujiro Urata, Professor, Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University; and William Noglows, Chairman, President and CEO, Cabot Microelectronics Corporation. The Hon. Masaharu Yoshida, Consul General of Japan at Chicago, and Adlai E. Stevenson III, Chairman, Adlai Stevenson Center for Democracy, and former U.S. Senator, will also make remarks.

Throughout the symposium, APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) member economies will present tabletop displays, showcasing their markets to attendees.

The event will be held at the Chicago Club (81 East Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL). Registration will begin at 8:00 AM.

This symposium is supported by the Japan America Society of Chicago, the Consulate General of Japan at Chicago and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Chicago.

This event is free, however advance registration is required. Register online at www.jetro.org/asiapacsymposium.

For more information, contact Robert Corder at robert_corder@jetro.go.jp.

About JETRO
JETRO promotes trade & investment between Japan and the rest of the world. JETRO maintains more than 70 offices worldwide, including 6 in the USA. JETRO provides a range of services to companies interested in Japan, including market intelligence, temporary office space and business development assistance, all designed to encourage business partnerships between American companies and Japan. For more information, visit www.jetro.org.