In the afternoon of October 19^th, Japanese Ambassador Mr. Niwa Uichiro paid a visit to the School of Public Policy and Management at Tsinghua to deliver a speech on “The Future of the Chinese Economy and its Evolution”. Before the speech, Vice President Weihe Xie and Dean of the School Professor Lan Xue met with Ambassador Uichiro to discuss Sino-Japanese relations and issues regarding university education. Vice President Xie and Professor Xue accompanied the Ambassador to visit SPPM’s Center for Industrial Development and Environmental Governance (CIDEG). The research center is made possible by Toyota Company’s unconditional financial support.

 

In his speech, the Ambassador discussed Sino-Japanese relations, relaying that they are based on mutual trust and communication. Mr. Uichiro also remarked on Japan’s postwar economic development experience and data, and showed a comparative analysis of China’s economy during the same period. The Ambassador also expressed his personal views on China’s economic development in this time, and suggested that the Chinese government continue to strengthen personnel training and investment in education, which would better strengthen economic exchanges and cooperation with Japan. Mr. Uichiro went on to stress that China’s economic model is very special and is worthy of examination and study from the rest of the world. He also discussed the background of individuals, particularly the struggle of youth to express their own views and opinions, and conveyed a message to young individuals that if they want to accomplish their own ideals then they must be able to accomplish things that ordinary people are not able to do. He hopes that China-Japan relations can strengthen communication and exchanges with the public, eliminate misunderstanding, and build a base of mutual trust and reciprocity.

 

Following the speech Ambassador Uichiro answered questions from SPPM’s MPA students, Xinhua News Agency, “The Voice of China”, “Legal Evening News”, and a number of other media outlets.

 

Mr. Uichiro was born in 1939 in Nagoya, Japan. He graduated from Nagoya University’s school of Law, became a renowned industrialist, and later served as Japanese ambassador. Mr. Uichiro has also served as chairman of Japan Post AG, chairman of the Decentralization Reform Promotion Committee, and as staff as part of International World Food Programme (WFP) Committee. In addition, he holds a seat on the Beijing International Entrepreneurs Advisory Board and is economic advisor to the governor of Jilin Province. He has authored multiple books that are well-known. As one of Japan’s most famous entrepreneurs, has worked at Itochu Corporation, a large trading company, since 1962, and at the company has served as business minister, Managing Director, Senior Managing Director, Executive Vice President, Assistant President, President, and Chairman.