2006 Program.  The Keizai Koho Center has invited South Korean journalists annually to Japan since 2003.

The aim is to promote understanding of Japan's economic policies, politics, and foreign policies through their interviews with Japan's leading business executives, politicians and opinion leaders.

Six journalists were invited from March 6-10, 2006, to discuss the recovery of the Japanese economy and Japan-Korea economic and political relations.

On March 9, a symposium entitled "Recovery of Japanese economy as seen by South Korean journalists" was held. The journalists noted that Japan had made a steady reform during the "lost decade" after the bubble burst and has achieved its economic recovery.  They also noted that the South Korean economy is experiencing a rapid structural reform, and that Japan and South Korea are gradually moving toward a more complementary economic relationship, creating better conditions for a free trade agreement.  As for the political aspect, they stressed that the leaders of two countries should try to improve the bilateral relationship as a priority issue,without giving too much attention to domestic issues alone.  A total of 130 people took part in the symposium.

The speakers included:

Hwabg Bong-Hyun, Editor, Maeil Business Newspaper
Lee Dong-Woo, Managing Editor, Korea Economic Daily
Lee Jun, Editorial Writer, The Chosen Ilbo
Chung Young-Moo, Economic Editor, Hankyoreh
Lee Chul-Ho, Editorial, Writer, The JoongAng Ilbo
Lee Dong-Kwan, Editorial Writer, The DongA Ilbo