Future-oriented Korea-Japan cooperation declared at the 39th Korea-Japan Business Conference

The 39^th Korea-Japan Business Conference, a regular gathering for private-level economic cooperation between South Korea and Japan, was held on April 12-13 in Busan. Chairman S.R. Cho, who concurrently serves as the chairman of the Korea-Japan Business Conference, decided to send a letter to heads of the two nations and Hidetane Iijima, chairman of Japan-Korea Economic Cooperation Committee, calling for a swift settlement of a South Korea-Japan free trade agreement. The meeting drew a total of 307 business leaders, 198 from South Korea and 109 from Japan, reflecting their high attention on pending business issues between the two nations. South Korean and Japanese business leaders agreed on cooperation and participation in work to create an East Asian economic bloc. In addition, they also agreed to improve investment environments and reduce trade barriers. Besides, they agreed to work together to boost workforce exchange in sports, tourism and culture, as well as business. A joint move to cope with global environmental problems was also part of their agenda.