For the past two years, this session has been discussing the outlook for the chemical-related industry from 2030 to 2050.

The first session recognized the current state of Japan's international competitiveness, which has been stagnating since the 1990s, and analyzed the factors behind it. The second session discussed the need for a revival strategy, shifting from a "manufacturing" perspective to a "value creation" that emphasizes economic value.

In response to this, this year's session will focus on the following two specific transformation scenarios for the Japanese economy and society.

1) Business restructuring and portfolio review for Japanese companies

2) Addressing labor shortages due to factors such as a declining birthrate and aging population (elderly, female, and foreign labor)