Delegation of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives visits Africa
	A delegation from the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, Keizai Doyukai*, comprising the committee on Africa-Japan Relations visited Ethiopia from 7 to 8 March 2011.Ethiopia was the first step in a three-country tour including Tanzania and Kenya. Chairperson of the Committee on Africa-Japan Relations and Senior Executive Vice President of Morubeni Corporation, Mr. Sekiyama Mamoru led the delegation in high level discussions and exchange of views with H.E. Ato Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, H.E. Ato Abdurahman Sheikh Mohammed, Minister of Trade and H.E. Ato Mekonnen Manyazewal, Minister of Industry as well as H.E Dr. Jean Ping, Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union. The delegation also made a site visit to Ambassador Garment and Trade P.L.C, which is one of the thirty private companies embracing the Kaizen project that have been supported by the Government of Japan. While speaking to Capital (a weekly newspaper) at Sheraton Addis, Mr. Mamoru stressed that the purpose of the visit is to deepen the knowledge and thinking regarding future relations between Japan and Africa by meeting and exchanging opinions with leading figures in the African Union and African national governments. “In recent years, African countries have been experiencing remarkable economic growth and attracting increasing attention not only from developed countries but also emerging nations such as China and India” Mamaru said. Mamaru further noted that the 4th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) triggered an increase and expansion of Japan’s interest in Africa. In view of these circumstances, Keizai Doyukai established the Committee on Africa-Japan Relations in April 2009 with Mr. Michio Kuwahara (Senior Executive Vice President, Marubeni Corporation) as its chairperson. *Keizai Doyukai Founded in 1946, Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives) is one of the three largest economic organizations in Japan. Unlike the other two, Japan Business Federation and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Keizai Doyukai is composed of corporate executives acting in their capacity as individuals, which gives it a broad-ranging perspective that goes beyond the interests of any specific enterprises or industries. Members of Keizai Doyukai debate a variety of socioeconomic issues, of both international and domestic relevance, and presents policy proposals to the government, political parties, and other related parties. Keizai Doyukai places a strong emphasis on international relations and vigorously conducts activities such as international exchanges and policy proposals involving not only Africa, but also Asian countries including members of ASEAN, China, the United States, Europe, and Russia.