Theme :
“Making the EU Economy More Environment Friendly”
-How Japanese business can contribute to EU Society
Symposium Highlights
Brussels, 12 th February 2008 : At the JBCE Symposium on 12 th February at the Renaissance Hotel in Brussels, a selection of Japanese companies had the opportunity to present their innovative technologies which can contribute to improving the environment for EU citizens and wider society. Guests included the Vice President of the European Commission, Günter Verheugen, and Japanese Ambassador to the European Union, Takekazu Kawamura. (more photoes)
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JBCE President Tokumasu Speech |
Commissioner Verheugen Speech |
Ambassador Kawamura Speech |
JBCE President, Yasunori Tokumasu, said: “This event is intended to highlight to decision-makers the contributions which are being made by Japanese companies to help improve the environment for EU citizens. The Symposium demonstrates our members' willingness to enter into dialogue with key Brussels stakeholders and demonstrates our wide variety of activities which can bring tangible environmental benefits for society in general.”
The Symposium brought together stakeholders from the European Parliament and European Commission, as well as journalists, industrial associations, and the many diverse members of the JBCE, all of whom were able to discuss their ideas in a relaxed and informal environment over drinks and a sushi buffet.
The keynote speaker, Commissioner Verheugen, stated that he hoped Japan would join in the fight against climate change. “The earlier Europe and Japan move, the greater our opportunity to use our skills and technology to boost innovation and growth. Europe and Japan can be the first economies for the low-carbon age: I am confident that both the European and Japanese industries will seize this opportunity to further deploy their ability to innovate and to lead the world markets,” said the Commissioner.
The JBCE was particularly pleased to welcome Ambassador Kawamura to the Symposium, as this underlines the close collaboration between the JBCE as an organisation and the Japanese Mission to the European Union in Brussels .
Mr Tokumasu concluded: “We hope that the guests who attended the Symposium have been able to gain a better understanding of the efforts JBCE members are making with regard to the environment. Ultimately, we hope that this will lead to improved future cooperation between our industries based in Europe and EU decision-makers in Brussels .”
Speech by President Tokumasu (Full Text)
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