Private lunch with OECD Head of Japan and Korea

Despite pressure from Beijing over THAAD, increasing military activity from North Korea, and internal political difficulties, the South Korean economy has maintained a slow but positive trajectory. Randall Jones, Head of the Japan/Korea desk at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), stated low productivity as one of the biggest factors hindering growth also noting that South Korea is in need of labour market flexibility along with a wage structure reform due to the rapidly ageing population.

Slow economic growth is no stranger to Japan, and is projected to slow to 0.8 per cent by the OECD. However, Japanese exports are expected to grow over the next two years and business investment is also expected to grow in strength.

Jones will join Asia House corporate members for a private lunch to discuss the recent economic developments in South Korea and Japan.

He has been with the OECD since 1989, previously acting as the Head of Korea/Slovak Republic Desk, Head of Korea Desk, and the economist on Japan/Ireland Desk. He was awarded the Decoration of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette from the Government of Japan in October 2015.

Attendance at this private lunch is invitation only. To register your interest, please contact Conor Paterson in the Business & Policy Team at conor.paterson@asiahouse.co.uk or call 0207 307 5439.