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  5. Online Event “NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021)” Being Held to Promote Japan's Investment Environment and Efforts toward Net Zero

Online Event “NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021)” Being Held to Promote Japan's Investment Environment and Efforts toward Net Zero

- Summary of the main program's discussions conducted on July 28 and 29 -

July 29, 2021

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) are holding an online event called "NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021)" starting on July 28 (Wed.), to promote Japan's efforts toward achieving net zero and the attractiveness of its investment environment.
On July 28 and 29, the main program of the event included three panel discussions that brought together 15 global leaders to talk about the latest trends regarding net zero, and a keynote speech by Mr. Tokura Masakazu, Chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), and video messages from Prime Minister Suga and Mr. Kajiyama Hiroshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
Here is a summary of the discussions in the main program and information on the ongoing events.

1. Background and outline

The Green Growth Strategy, which METI led the formulation of, will direct all available policies, including international cooperation, in order to attract environment-related investment from all around the world. In June, 2021, the Japanese government set a new goal of "achieving an 80 trillion yen balance of direct investment in Japan," and efforts toward this goal have also become important.

Against this background, METI and JETRO are holding an online event titled "NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021)" starting on July 28 in order to gather the world's wisdom toward achieving net zero, and promote Japan's attractive investment environment.

The main program, which was conducted on July 28 and 29, included panel discussions by world-leading figures from diverse regions and business fields. They presented various suggestions, including leading examples toward achieving carbon neutrality, future prospects, efforts based on regional and industrial differences, and the importance of international collaboration.

2. Outline of the NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021)

Organizers: METI, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

Date:  Being held online starting on July 28, 2021 (Wed.)

Number of registered participants (as of July 28): Approximately 2,800

3. Summary of the main program's discussions   Note: On-demand streaming is going to be provided. Details will be announced at a later date.

(1) Video message from Prime Minister Suga

Prime Minister Suga expressed his expectations for lively discussions by the leaders so that like the Olympic Games, the event could provide dreams and hopes to people all around the world. He mentioned that achieving a decarbonized society is a driving force for sustainable economic growth, and that he would very much welcome the investment and cooperation in the large green market that will emerge in Japan. He concluded his message by hoping that the event would provide a great opportunity for Japan and the world to advance together.

(2) Keynote speech by Mr. Tokura Masakazu, Chairman of the Keidanren: The Japanese Business Community's Efforts toward Achieving Carbon Neutrality

Keidanren Chairman Tokura proposed that green transformation (the fundamental transformation of economy and society) should be promoted in order to achieve carbon neutrality. He also mentioned that the Japanese business community would steadily promote proactive measures such as the "carbon neutrality action plans," "challenge zero," and "information disclosure" together with the government.

(3) Panel Discussion 1: Green Innovation

Panelists

Outline

Innovation in businesses is essential to achieving net zero. Panelists discussed, among other topics, initiatives as a global company and the path toward future technological innovation.

Main topics discussed

(4) Panel Discussion 2: Sustainable Finance

Panelists

Outline

Medium- to long-term support is critical to companies' low-carbon transition. Participants discussed the progress of sustainable finance from various perspectives.

Main topics discussed

(5) Panel Discussion 3: Transition in Emerging Countries

Panelists

Outline

In areas where industrialization is accelerating, efforts in accordance with local characteristics are needed in order to achieve net zero. Panelists discussed the efforts in each region, with a view to pursuing both economic growth and environmental protection.

Main topics discussed

(6) Video message from Minister Kajiyama

Minister Kajiyama expressed his intention to direct all available policies toward achieving carbon neutrality. He also expressed his expectations that this event would provide the world with an opportunity to learn about Japanese companies, and trigger changes and efforts toward decarbonization and other initiatives.

4. Information on ongoing events

(1) Main program by global leaders

(On-demand streaming is going to be provided. You can check for details of the discussions that you cannot get from the summary alone. The streaming schedule and other details will be announced on the official website at a later date.)

Three panel discussions where 15 world-leading figures discuss the trends regarding net zero.
A keynote speech by Mr. Tokura Masakazu, Chairman of the Japan Business Federation, and video messages from Prime Minister Suga and Mr. Kajiyama Hiroshi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

(2) Companies' and local governments' exhibition booths "Japan Technology Showcase" (July 28 [Wed.] to September 10 [Fri.])

Fifty-four Japanese companies and local governments will exhibit their outstanding technologies and services in PR booths at a virtual venue to promote Japan's attractiveness

(3) Communication through avatars, etc. (July 28 [Wed.] to September 10 [Fri.])

Participants will be able to use avatars to communicate with each other and exhibitors in real time

For inquiries regarding this event

NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021) Secretariat

E-mail: info-visitor@jbc-online.com

For press inquiries

NET ZERO Leaders Summit (Japan Business Conference 2021) Public Relations Office

E-mail: info-media@jbc-online.com

Division in Charge

Investment Facilitation Division, Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau
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