[The Great Transformation of Korea, Korea-Japan Future Cooperation] Akiyoshi Koji, Head of the Japan-Korea Economic Association: "I Dream of Korea and Japan Traveling Without Passports"

First Interview with Korean Media after Taking Office as Chairman of the Japan-Korea Economic Association
Expresses Positive Stance on Forming a "Korea-Japan Economic Community"
"12 Million Travelers Between Japan and Korea...
Expecting Simplified Immigration Procedures"
"Japan and Korea, the Best Partners... Starting with Korea's Accession to the CPTPP"

Akiyoshi Koji, Chairman of Asahi Group Holdings and the new head of the Japan-Korea Economic Association, which serves as a bridge between the business communities of Korea and Japan, expressed his vision for the future of Korea-Japan economic cooperation by stating, "I dream of a day when people can travel between Korea and Japan without a passport." This reflects his welcoming stance toward the idea of forming a "Korea-Japan economic community," which has been proposed within the business sectors of both countries. He also mentioned that, in order to further elevate the level of economic cooperation between Korea and Japan, he would request and support Korea's accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Chairman Koji made these remarks in a written interview with Asia Economy to mark the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. He took office as Chairman of the Japan-Korea Economic Association earlier this month, and this is his first interview with Korean media.

Akiyoshi Koji, Chairman of the Japan-Korea Economic Association (Chairman of Asahi Holdings). Photo by Asahi Holdings

Regarding the opinion that Korea and Japan should form an economic community similar to the European Union (EU), Chairman Koji emphasized, "Last year, the number of people traveling between Japan and Korea exceeded 12 million, and mutual favorability reached an all-time high. The relationship between Japan and Korea is closer than ever, and this trend should continue to expand in the future." He added that the immediate priority should be "simplifying immigration procedures."

Korea and Japan have agreed at the government level to promote a system for simplifying immigration procedures, and are currently operating dedicated immigration lanes for each other's nationals on a trial basis at Gimpo and Gimhae airports in Korea, and Haneda and Fukuoka airports in Japan. The business community expects that, as this system becomes more concrete and established, exchanges between private sectors such as companies in both countries will become even more active. This is seen as both a stepping stone and a first step toward forming a Korea-Japan economic community comparable to the European Union (EU). Chairman Koji also expressed his agreement with this view.

However, regarding the possibility of resuming negotiations for a Korea-Japan Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which has been raised in some quarters, he said, "There was considerable opposition from domestic industries such as companies, and since negotiations were suspended in 2006, it seems that neither government has taken action since then. Mutual understanding is also necessary between the parties to the agreement, and the burden on companies is not insignificant," expressing the view that it would not be easy. Instead, he stated, "Korea's accession to the CPTPP is the path to a higher level of cooperation, and the business communities of both countries will work together toward this goal."

Chairman Koji emphasized, "In the economic sphere, Japan and Korea are in a competitive relationship, but also a complementary one, making them the best possible partners for cooperation." In particular, he pointed out, "Recently, as the United States has adopted protectionist tariff policies and a new international order is emerging, it has become difficult for individual countries to assert their presence." He stressed that, especially in such times, the two countries must unite closely.

Chairman Koji also believes that Korea and Japan can create synergy together in discovering and nurturing talent. While the ways of developing talent differ, he said that under a shared goal, the two countries can complement each other's weaknesses and bring out the best talent. Chairman Koji explained, "Korean companies have many diligent talents and possess advanced technological capabilities. Quick decision-making is also a characteristic." He added, "Japanese companies, through prudent decision-making and planned execution, are able to minimize risk and nurture talent from a long-term perspective."

Chairman Koji also noted that, for Korea-Japan cooperation to yield tangible results, efforts by both governments are essential. He said, "Just a few years ago, Korea-Japan relations were described as 'the worst,' but thanks to the bold decisions of the Korean government and the corresponding actions of the Japanese government, the relationship has dramatically improved." He continued, "Politics can be seen as the front wheels of a car and the economy as the rear wheels. It is ideal for the front wheels?politics?to steer the axis properly, while the rear wheels?the economy?provide the driving force to move the relationship forward." As Chairman of the Japan-Korea Economic Association, Koji's role is significant. On May 27, he attended the 57th Korea-Japan Business Conference held at Lotte Hotel in Sogong-dong, Seoul, where he delivered a keynote speech. On that occasion, he also argued that outstanding talent can strengthen the international competitiveness of both countries and create the future. Chairman Koji said, "I feel nervous to be taking on such a major role in the 60th anniversary year of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and Korea. Looking to the future, the connection and cooperation between the business communities of both countries are more important than ever, and I will do my utmost, even if in a small way."