Mizuho Chief Looking Forward to Making IBLAC Debut

Wide varieties help to create a great platform for top executives to share insights from the perspectives of different industries and territories, and that's why Seiji Imai, chairman of Mizuho Financial Group, is eager to take part in his very first meeting of the International Business Leaders' Advisory Council for the Mayor of Shanghai (IBLAC), which opens tomorrow.

Imai is no stranger to Shanghai. As head of Japan's leading financial group, which has deep connections with Shanghai for four decades and whose regional headquarters are located in the Pudong New Area, Imai comes to the city from time to time. He is an expert on the city's committee that advises on how Shanghai can build itself into a global financial center, and is a frequent guest of Shanghai's heavyweight financial events such as the Lujiazui Forum.

"Compared with industry events, IBLAC provides a more comprehensive platform that may stimulate innovative thinking that can be unexpected anywhere else," Imai said in an interview today before participating in a group tour of Shanghai's iconic West Bund in Xuhui District, known as a cluster for companies in the artificial intelligence industry.

"That's why I am excited to be included in the council after getting the invitation from Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng last year, and look forward to the council's annual meeting to share experiences with members from different countries and professions," Imai said.

Founded in 1989, IBLAC has grown into a valuable think tank, offering input from some of the best business minds in the world. The mayor's council was first formed by then Mayor Zhu Rongji, who later became China's premier. Starting with 12 members from eight countries, it has grown into 46 members from 15 countries, covering industries like manufacturing, finance, auto, electronics, retail, consumer goods, communication and consulting, among others.

This year's 37th meeting will host six new attendees. Besides Mizuho Financial Group, top executives at SK Group from South Korea, adidas AG from Germany, Nike Inc from the United States, Veolia from France and Vale SA from Brazil will also contribute to the meeting, which is themed "Openness, Innovation, and Inclusiveness – Shanghai's Development Strategy Toward 2030."

Members will form four discussion panels, focusing on topics including technology empowerment, strategic advantages, frontiers of opening-up and green practices. Shanghai Party Secretary Chen Jining will deliver a welcome speech, followed by a report by Mayor Gong Zheng at the opening.

Professor Mark J Greeven from the International Institute for Management Development will give a keynote speech, along with President of Warburg Pincus Chip Kaye and CEO of Hillhouse Investment Zhang Lei.