President’s Address:   Inauguration of the Japanese Research Association for  Chinese Economy

         President:    Ryoshin MINAMI

                   (Professor, Department of Economics, Josai University) 

The Japanese economy has inseverable ties to the Chinese economy, and it is expected that this relationship will become even closer in the future. Japan’s trade with China has expanded since China’s affiliation with the World Trade Organization (WTO), and it is also thought that Japan will rapidly increase its direct investment in China. Although this may be highly profitable to the Japanese economy, it is predicted that this increased trade may give rise to complicated problems such as de-industrialization. The reality is that some small and medium-sized enterprises, unable to compete with China, are now being driven to bankruptcy. We are entering an era in which careful consideration must be given to how Japan can best coexist with China. We need to plan a framework for new economic collaboration that includes not only a free trade agreement but also the introduction of a common currency. 

The significance of genuine research into the Chinese economy is even greater in such times, and demands are being made for policy proposals originating from these efforts.  This motivated us to form the “Japanese Research Association for Chinese Economy” on June 15, 2002. In addition to providing present data analysis of the Chinese economy, the Association also hopes to encompass broad fields such as the study of corporate management, economic statistics and economic history in China. We also invite debate on developmental economics, international economics and comparative structures with a focus on China, as well as the submission of proposals relating to policy on Japan and China. The Association warmly welcomes the admission of businesspersons and graduate students as well as specialist researchers, of any nationality. 

The Association plans to center its main activities on the following 3 points:

Firstly, we will issue an official bulletin, to be known as the ‘Journal of Chinese Economic Studies’, in which the latest research results of members may be published. Initially, we expect that this bulletin will be published once annually due to budgetary constraints. However, we hope to increase the frequency of publications as quickly as possible if budgetary restrictions are alleviated by an increase in the number of members, or if we receive more contributions. Our intention is that this journal on the Chinese economy will be regarded in Japan as a scientific magazine of the highest standards. 

Secondly, we would like to hold a national conference once annually to facilitate regular interchange of research between the Association’s members. In addition, we will hold“Academic Study Meetings” to enable the intermediate reporting of research and “New Trend Study Meetings”with the objective of exchanging the latest information on the Chinese economy. The first ‘Academic Research’ and ‘New Trend’ Study Meetingswere held in early- and mid-November 2002, respectively. 

Thirdly, although the global exchange of researchers is becoming steadily more active, I hope that our Association will play a central role in the Japan-based interchange of domestic and foreign researchers of the Chinese Economy by, for example, inviting distinguished Chinese experts to give lectures when visiting Japan. 

With the cooperation of all our members, I feel that hereafter we will be able to maximize our efforts for the improvement of the organization.  We would also be most appreciative if members could tell colleagues and other interested parties about our Association and encourage them to join!