Today, Japan is China’s largest source of imports, while China has become Japan’s largest export destination and import source. In such context, cooperation and exchange between the two countries become crucial to their respective economic vitality and prospects. The China-Japan CEO roundtable provided an exceptional occasion for the top executives of the two countries to join in for a series of discussions, free exchanges and networking opportunities, fostering relations between the leading business actors of the two countries.
Today, Japan is China’s largest source of imports, while China has become Japan’s largest export destination and import source. In such context, cooperation and exchange between the two countries become crucial to their respective economic vitality and prospects. The China-Japan CEO roundtable provided an exceptional occasion for the top executives of the two countries to join in for a series of discussions, free exchanges and networking opportunities, fostering relations between the leading business actors of the two countries.
CKGSB and Hitotsubashi ICS successfully co-hosted the first round of this event, bringing together over 100 top executives from both China and Japan, including Vice-President of Nissan Motors, Keisuke Nishimura; the Chairman of the Dongxiang Group, Chen Yihong; and Liu Dianbo, President of Luye Pharma Group; along with many other top executives and companies.
While participants were mainly from China and Japan, the scope of the roundtable was beyond mere bilateral relations. The first session focused on the best practices in globalization strategies, during which participants discussed the role of their respective countries, while also envisioning mutual cooperation in addressing the challenges and opportunities of globalization. Each country possesses different characteristics with their inherent weaknesses and strengths. “Chinese companies are flexible, while Japanese companies have ‘brand power’ and ‘technical competence’ on their side”. Cooperation between the two countries therefore can address the weaknesses of each and build up on their respective strengths, leading to the globalization of not merely the two countries but of Asia itself. In CKGSB Founding Dean Xiang Bing’s words (above picture):
“It is often said that the 21st century is Asia’s century. It is the time for the people of Asia to make contributions to the world. Facing the challenge of globalization, Asian people must boost cooperation and overcome their differences to effectively contribute to human development.”
Without responsible business, however, globalization can also adversely affect the wellbeing of society, especially the lives of its weakest members. The second session addressed such concerns in a discussion on how businesses in the two countries can succeed in Creating Shared Values (CSV), in order to share the benefits of growth and innovation with the larger society. Different forms of implementing CSV were discussed by participants. Large consensus was drawn on the fact that long-term and sustainable growth, as well as entrepreneurial success, necessitate a broader concern for society. Social responsibility of a business, delegates emphasized, today equals to a form of business efficiency, and therefore an important measure of a company’s real value and prospects. In their closing remarks, the panel moderators wished for the participants to:
“be leaders not only in growth and innovation, but also in social contribution”
The event overall proved successful, with a high level of genuine exchange and engagement between the participants, with hope to continue and increase such forms of dialogues between the two countries. In the words of Takashi Nishibayashi, Vice-President of Nissan Motor Co.:
“It is my first time at such an event, and executives of Chinese and Japanese companies have indeed had an engaging and genuine discussion. I am sure this event will play an important role in the development and communications between Chinese and Japanese companies.”
