Fukushima governor to attend Davos Forum

January 12, 2016

Fukushima governor to attend Davos forum

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/nuclear.html

10:01 UTC+1

Fukushima's governor will attend this year's World Economic Forum to discuss recovery efforts in the prefecture after the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster.

Masao Uchibori told reporters on Tuesday he was invited by organizers to join the annual global gathering of financial and political leaders in Davos, Switzerland. The event will take place from January 20th to 23rd.

Uchibori will attend a session on the 22nd themed on Fukushima's recovery and lessons to the world.

He plans to talk about the earthquake and tsunami, lessons from the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, and the current status of recovery in the prefecture.

The governor is also expected to offer sake from local breweries at a Davos event.

Uchibori said he wants to express his gratitude to global leaders for their support, explain the status of reconstruction, and promote Fukushima's food and tourist resources.

Fukushima officials say it is rare for a prefectural governor to attend the Davos forum.
Former Tokyo governor Shintaro Ishihara and his deputy have attended the meeting before.

Japan's top government spokesman announced earlier that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will not attend the gathering, as he is placing priority on enacting a supplementary budget for the current fiscal year.

Fukushima governor to attend Davos forum next week

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/01/12/national/fukushima-governor-to-attend-davos-forum-next-week/#.VpSv-FIR-ot

Kyodo

FUKUSHIMA – Fukushima Gov. Masao Uchibori said Tuesday he will attend this year’s World Economic Forum meeting to talk about recovery efforts in the prefecture.

The annual gathering of financiers and government officials will take place in Switzerland starting Jan. 20.

Uchibori is scheduled to attend a meeting about the revitalization of Fukushima and explain what is going on. It is rare for a governor to attend the global gathering.

“It is a precious opportunity to be able to communicate directly with people from all over the world,” Uchibori told a news conference. “I want to report (on) the steady progress that is being made toward rebuilding Fukushima.”

It is expected that sake brewed in Fukushima will be served at an event during the gathering.

Uchibori was invited to the Davos forum after attending an event related to the World Economic Forum in Tokyo last June.