The Group of Seven summit opened in Ise-Shima in the western Japanese prefecture of Mie on Thursday morning. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe welcomed G-7 leaders at Ise Shrine, kicking off the two-day summit hosted by Japan.
The leaders of seven leading industrial nations -- Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the U.S -- will begin talks at the main venue on Kashiko Island in the neighboring city of Shima in the afternoon. At the summit, they are expected to discuss the global economy, counterterrorism, refugee issues and ways to deal with tax avoidance practices.
On Thursday, Abe will host a meeting on the global economy, to which he is giving top priority during the summit. With the economies of emerging countries sputtering, the world is closely watching whether the G-7 leaders will be able to find a way to lead growth through financial and fiscal measures as well as structural reforms. The heads of state are also expected to exchange opinions about the current condition of the global economy and fiscal discipline.
Discussion will also focus on measures against terrorism, refugee crises and issues related to the South China Sea, where China has been building military facilities on artificial islands.
On Friday, climate change and energy issues will be taken up. At an extended G-7 meeting scheduled for the sidelines, members will discuss infrastructure investment in Asia in addition to health and hygiene conditions in Africa, among other topics.
Reference: Nikkei Asian Review
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