Japan_US2020_Programme

The Global Economy and the New International Economic Order:
Perspectives from Japan and the US

Friday, January 15, 2021 JST (Thursday, January 14, 2021 CST)
Via Zoom

9:00 a.m. JST (6:00 p.m. CST)

Welcome / Introductory Remarks

Dr. Michael Moskow - Distinguished Fellow, Chicago Council of Global Affairs

9:05 a.m. JST (6:05 p.m. CST)

Welcome / Introductory Remarks

Mr. Kazumasa Kusaka – Chairman, Japan Economic Foundation

9:10 a.m. JST (6:10 p.m. CST)

Panel 1

Bettering the Global Economy During the COVID-19 Pandemic
As countries around the world work to contain the COVID-19 pandemic’s health threats, the global
economy is also facing unprecedented challenges. Countries have begun the process of vaccinating
their populations against the coronavirus, but the process of producing and distributing enoughvaccines will take months. Meanwhile, businesses across all sectors have been forced to adapt to thenew realities that have accompanied life during a global pandemic.
Meanwhile, the United States is preparing for the inauguration of Joe Biden on January 20 as its newPresident, and Yoshihide Suga became Prime Minister of Japan in September 2020. Both leaders
have pledged to make combatting the COVID-19 pandemic a cornerstone of their platforms. Japan isalso preparing to host the Summer Olympics in Tokyo after having postponed the start of the games
from 2020.
What strategies can countries adopt during these uncertain times to promote economic resiliency?
How can countries such as Japan and the US harness their history of collaboration and strength intechnological innovation to strengthen the global economy? What is the outlook for Japan-US
cooperation on economic issues under the leadership of Prime Minister Suga and President-electBiden?

Moderator:
Mr. Naoyuki Haraoka – Executive Managing Director, Japan Economic Foundation
Panelists:
Mr. Takaaki Asano – Senior Analyst, Sumitomo Corporation Global Research
Mr. Tobias Harris – Senior Vice President, Teneo Intelligence
Dr. Toshihiko Nakayama – Professor of American Politics and Foreign Policy, Keio University
Dr. Ulrike Schaede – Professor of Japanese Business, University of California, San Diego

10:10 a.m. JST (7:10 p.m. CST)

Panel 2The New International Economic Order: The Post-Pandemic Global Economy
The economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will be felt for many years to come. Evenafter the pandemic is over, the global economy will have changed significantly. Some industries willtake years to recover, if they ever fully recover. Other industries may be completely reshaped withthe possibility of remote work continuing after the pandemic ends.
Even before the pandemic, major changes were taking place in the global economy. China and theUnited States were involved in major trade disputes and increased economic and politicalcompetition. The United States withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), yet theagreement was revised as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-PacificPartnership and incorporated most of the provisions of the TPP but without American participation.
How will the global economy be rebuilt after the pandemic? What will work look like in a
postpandemic world? How can countries ensure their economies are more inclusive after thepandemic? How will the United States engage in East Asia economically during the Biden
administration?

Moderator:
Dr. Michael Moskow – Distinguished Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Panelists:
Dr. Phil Levy – Chief Economist, Flexport
Mr. Takehiko Nakao – Chairman of the Institute, Mizuho Research Institute Ltd. Former President,
Asian Development Bank
Ms. Stephanie Segal – Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic and International Studies
Mr. Masaaki Shirakawa – Aoyama Gakuin University, Distinguished Guest Professor,

Mr. Kenichiro Urakami – Director of Policy Planning and Coordination Division, Japanese
Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry
11:10 a.m. JST (8:10 p.m. CST)

Closing Remarks

Dr. Michael Moskow - Distinguished Fellow, Chicago Council of Global Affairs

11:15 a.m. JST (8:15 p.m. CST)

Adjournment