One of our main activities is organising and hosting Luncheon Briefings on pertinent topics of EU-Asia relations. Beginning with an informal lunch, the Briefings usually last for 1.5 hours, including questions.

Attendees include EIAS members and other interested parties.

Experts wishing to discuss a possible topic for a Lucheon Briefing are invited to contact EIAS Direct Dr Willem van der Geest.

Japanese Trade Policy: Towards Economic Partnership?
5 April, 2006, EIAS Brussels

Speaker: Prof. Yorizumi Watanabe, Professor of International Political Economy, Keio University, Japan
Chair: Dr. Willem van der Geest, Director, European Institute for Asian Studies

Listen to Prof. Watanabe being interviewed by Dr van der Geest (mp3)

Download Prof. Watanabe's Presentation: pdf or Flash/Shockwave

East Asia is emerging as a dynamic regional entity – with economic integration producing high profitability and growth rates, the region is beginning to explore deepening ties within the framework of bi-lateral and multi-lateral FTAs. As an economic powerhouse and a key player in the region, Japan has a vested interested in shaping the future structure of the East Asian economy through a proactive trade policy that engages its regional counterparts. Yet, what are the opportunities and challenges for increased trade cooperation in the region? Will growing convergence in the economic sphere lead to increased dialogue? Or will increasing competition further exacerbate strategic rivalries?

The European Institute for Asian Studies (EIAS) is honoured to welcome Prof. Yorizumi Watanabe to its premises to review the status of Japanese Economic Partnership Agreements and, more generally, economic cooperation in East Asia and what other effects deepening economic integration might have. Prof. Yorizumi Watanabe is Professor of International Political Economy, Faculty of Policy Management, at Keio University in Japan. He has also served as Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in charge of trade policy

Listen to Prof. Watanabe being interviewed by Dr van der Geest (mp3)

Download Prof. Watanabe's Presentation: pdf or Flash/Shockwave