IOG Hosted IOG Annual Forum and Geoeconomics Summit 2024

On October 31 (Thursday), the Institute of Geoeconomics (IOG) held its Annual Forum titled “The Dynamics of Domestic and Foreign Policy,” followed by “Geoeconomics Summit 2024 – Improving Resilience through Rules-Based International Order” on November 1 (Friday) at Toranomon Hills Forum in Tokyo. Approximately 450 participants, including 150 online attendees, took part over the two days, engaging in discussions and exchanges on a wide range of topics related to politics, economics, and international relations.

At the IOG Annual Forum, IOG Director Kazuto Suzuki expressed appreciation to the member companies and reported on the institute’s activities over the past year. Following this, Takashi Shiraishi, Honorable Emeritus Professor at Prefectural University of Kumamoto and Chair of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry’s Advisory Council on Strengthening Industrial and Technological Bases for Economic Security, delivered a keynote speech titled “Japan and Asia in an Era of Major Power Competition.”

Later, Naoko Eto, Group Head of the China Group, led a panel discussion on the theme “East Asian Situation Surrounding China,” while Yuichi Hosoya, Group Head of the Europe & Americas Group, facilitated another discussion on “Is Democracy Retreating? Global Prospects after the ‘Election Year’.” These discussions deepened participants’ understanding of the current East Asian landscape and the challenges facing democracy. The reception following the sessions provided a valuable networking opportunity for attendees to exchange insights.

At the Geoeconomics Summit 2024, discussions centered on Asian initiatives in economic security. The summit opened with a keynote speech by Takeshi Niinami, President and CEO of Suntory Holdings and Chairperson of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, followed by expert discussions on topics including semiconductors, decarbonization and technology, EVs and regulations, critical minerals, and multilateral cooperation. Experts and policymakers from various countries, as well as representatives from businesses, academia, government ministries, and embassies, engaged in lively discussions.

The event report will be released at a later date. The IOG Annual Forum will be available on IOG’s official YouTube channel, and live-streamed sessions of the Geoeconomics Summit have already been posted online. Please visit the link below to view them. IOG will continue to act as a hub for government, industry, and academia, promoting efforts in the Asia-Pacific region.

Geoeconomic Summit 2024 – Improving Resilience through Rules-Based Order: Public Session Video