Business/Government/Assignment Editors

The Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), U.S. Department of State, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and The Conference Board invite internationally-focused investors, executives, financial and service professionals, journalists and other interested individuals to hear from leading experts on Japan's changing investment and corporate environment at the Intercontinental Hotel (111 E. 48th St.) in New York City on April 25, 2001.

Support will also be provided by the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, U.S.-Japan Business Council and the Japan-U.S. Business Council. In addition to the information posted below, a more detailed agenda can be obtained at the seminar web site, which is located HERE.

This event will be held without charge for qualified individuals. Registration will begin at 8:00 A.M. and it will conclude at 1:45 P.M. following a luncheon session.

Participants will also be invited to attend a reception hosted by Japanese Ambassador and Consul General Takekazu Kawamura on the evening of April 24, 2001 and opportunities will be provided to accredited journalists who have an interest in interviewing speakers and other officials in attendance.

Speakers will include:

OPENING REMARKS:
	Ambassador Alan Larson, Undersecretary for Economics, Business, and Agricultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State
	Mr. Hidehiro Konno, Vice Minister for International Affairs, METI
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS:
	Mr. C. Michael Armstrong, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, AT&T and Chairman of the US-Japan Business Council
	Mr. Minoru Makihara, Chairman, Mitsubishi Corporation and Chairman of the Japan-US Business Council
PANEL DISCUSSION SPEAKERS:
	Dr. Kenneth S. Courtis, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs and Vice Chairman, Goldman Sachs Asia
	Mr. Robert Grondine, Partner, White & Case LLP Tokyo and President, American Chamber of Commerce in Japan
	Mr. Kiyoto Ido, Minister (Financial), Embassy of Japan and Ministry of Finance, Washington
	Ms. Noriko Iki, Director, Public Employmnt Service Division, Employment Security Bureau, Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare
	Mr. Yoshinobu Nisaka, Deputy Director-General, Trade Policy Bureau, METI
	Mr. Toshiyuki Ohto, Director for Corporate Accounting & Disclosures, Planning & Coordination Bureau, Financial Services Agency
	Mr. Masamitsu Shiseki, Counsellor, Civil Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice
	Mr. Hideyuki Suzuki, General Mgr., Planning & Development Dept., Pension Fund Associations & Ministry of Health, Labor & Welfare
	Mr. Hidefumi Yamagami, General Manager and Chief Economist, Research Office, The Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi, Ltd.
PANEL MODERATORS:
	Mr. Arthur Mitchell, Partner, Coudert Brothers, LLP
	Mr. Richard Katz, Senior Editor, Oriental Economist Report
CLOSING REMARKS:
	Mr. Noboru Hatakeyama, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)

"With regard to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Japan, I would like to mention that the Japanese and the U.S. governments are working together to organize this symposium in New York'', noted Mr. Takeo Hiranuma, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry. ``We are confident this joint effort will be an important milestone toward strengthening a win-win relationship between our two countries in the age of the new economy.''

Under Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Alan Larson said "promoting foreign direct investment in Japan is a high priority for the U.S. Government. FDI contributes to Japanese economic growth, job creation, and formation of new companies. That is good for commercial cooperation between Japan and the U.S. And it is a key vehicle for U.S. firms to increase their participation in Japan's economy and to boost our exports of goods and services. Our goal in jointly sponsoring this symposium is to get senior government officials directly together with business leaders, to talk about the key issues in reform in Japan.''

Investors, executives, financial and service professionals, journalists and other interested individuals are invited to register or request additional information by forwarding a request to the contact indicated below.