The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) will be hosting a 10:00AM-1:00PM seminar and networking session in its New York offices on March 28, 2001 to highlight the changing role of women in the Japanese economy. JETRO's offices are located in the McGraw Hill Building at 1221 Avenue of the Americas (between 48th and 49th Street), New York, New York on the 42nd Floor.

This seminar will be held free of charge. It will include a panel discussion featuring Ms. Elizabeth Allan, Managing Director, Zurich Scudder Investments; Ms. Saeko Arai, Vice President of Finance, Chief Financial Officer, IRI (Internet Research Institute) USA, Inc.; Ms. Naomi Moriyama, Founder and President, digital powerhouse; and Ms. Yoko Sakanoue, VP/Asia Business Development, bCrossing. They will discuss their experiences doing business with Japan as well as the opportunities that are emerging for women in the new Japanese economy.

"As the population of Japan grows older, our country will face a labor shortage," noted Ken Katayama, Director of Public Relations at JETRO New York. "As a result, women are becoming a more significant force in the workplace. We are pleased to sponsor this forum in which Japanese and American businesspeople can meet to get to know one another as they discuss this important issue and the many implications and opportunities presented by this trend."

Executives, financial professionals, journalists and other interested individuals are invited to attend this event by forwarding a request to the contact indicated below. Individuals who are not able to attend are invited to request a summary of the proceedings by e-mail.