On behalf of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for your support and understanding.
In the global economy, although restrictions on movements due to the COVID-19 pandemic have been lifted, Russia’s unjustified invasion of Ukraine has made it difficult to secure stable supplies of energy, food, and other goods. Along with inflation and rising interest rates, geopolitical risks are severely affecting the international economic community and increasing the uncertainty. On top of this, we are entering a new era in which any one country alone cannot attain prosperity without contributing toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that include realizing a decarbonized society and eradicating poverty and hunger.
Amid these circumstances, to ensure sustainable growth of the Japanese economy, we are required to address such challenges as a shrinking population, a declining birthrate, and an aging population, and concurrently to work on issues from a global perspective such as assuring economic security, enhancing supply chain resilience, and solving climate change problems as well as taking on challenges for digital transformation.
Regarding the realization of green transformation and digital transformation, the Government of Japan is emphasizing investments in human resources and innovation and is accelerating the transition toward a decarbonized society and promoting partnerships based on a free and open Indo-Pacific. In doing so, the active involvement of and support from public financial institutions is expected.
In response, based on the Fourth Medium-term Business Plan (FY2021-FY2023), JBIC has supported the overseas business deployment of Japanese companies, placing priority on contributing to innovation, energy transformation, digital transformation, and contribution toward achieving the SDGs to realize a decarbonized society. In April 2023, the Act for Partial Amendment of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation Act was established to further strengthen JBIC’s functions in terms of enhancing supply chain resilience and aiding Japanese startups.
It is precisely in times like today characterized by unclear prospects that a reliable partner is crucial. JBIC aspires to be an organization that can move with agility, take risks proactively and solve problems while leveraging its relationships of trust with customers and long-standing partnerships with governments and institutions around the world.
As a platform for the overseas expansion of Japanese companies, JBIC will continue to meet your expectations and contribute to the sustainable development of Japan and the world.
I ask for your ongoing support.
HAYASHI Nobumitsu, Governor
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)