At the 134th GRIPS Forum on December 12, 2016, Mr. Yutaka Kase, Representative Director and Chairman of the Board, Sojitz Cooperation, gave a lecture titled “African Market, A Dare for Japanese Companies”.
 

Abstract

Three giant markets of Asia, Africa and the United States will play big roles in the world economy in the 21st century. As we all know, it is presently the age of Asia. In the late 21st century, Africa will emerge as an enormous consumer market with an increasing population from two billion to four billion. Meanwhile, the United States, which has just elected Mr. Trump as their new President, will continue to lead the world economy throughout the century. The session focused on how Japanese corporations should venture into the unknown African markets in such tides.

Speakers’ Profile:

June 2012-present  Chair Committee on Sub-Saharan Africa,

                           Keidanren (Japan Business Federation)

April 2012-present  Representative Director and Chairman

April 2007             President & CEO

April 2004             Sojitz Corporation (Formed through merger of

                           Nissho Iwai Corporation and Nichimen Corporation)

May 1970              Nissho Iwai Corporation

Education: Bachelor of Economics from The University of Tokyo, 1970