Japanese, Chinese Biz Execs Discuss Belt, Road Initiative

Beijing, Nov. 20 (Jiji Press)--Japanese and Chinese business executives exchanged views in Beijing on Monday on the China-proposed Belt and Road economic development initiative for a region across Eurasia. The Japanese executives are visiting China as members of a mission jointly sent by the Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Japan-China Economic Association, which is headed by Shoji Muneoka, chairman of Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp. <5401>. The mission brought together some 250 people, including Sadayuki Sakakibara, chairman of Keidanren, the country's largest business lobby, and JCCI Chairman Akio Mimura. The number of participants was largest since the annual business mission to China began in 1975. Participants are scheduled to hold talks with key Chinese government officials during their stay in Beijing through Thursday. At Monday's meeting, the Japanese side expressed hopes that the Belt and Road program will vitalize trade with and investment in neighboring countries and regions through the development of infrastructure across wide areas, expanding new business opportunities. The Chinese side replied that the initiative will offer a good opportunity for Japanese and Chinese companies given infrastructure development demand and that they should cooperate closely. END