Abe pushes for G20 unity on data, trade and environment

DPA, 23rd JANUARY, 2019-“Japan is determined to preserve and committed to enhancing the free, open and rules-based international order,” he stressed in a speech at the World Economic Forum, indirectly setting himself apart from the isolationist policies of US President Donald Trump.

Abe said he would push for a global system to govern the safe flow of digital data, which would help to boost the education, health and economies of developing countries.

“We must make data a great gap buster” between rich and poor, the premier said at the annual summit of politicians and business leaders in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos.

Abe also advocated the alliance between the United States, European countries and Japan to reform World Trade Organization (WTO) rules to include digital commerce and to better tackle the issue of government subsidies.

The WTO’s ability to settle trade disputes is currently in peril, as Washington is blocking the appointment of new judges while it calls for reforms of the organization.

Japan also wants the industrialized and emerging economies that make up the G20 to commit to curbing climate change and reducing plastic pollution.

In addition, the group should look at promising new technologies to tackle these issues, Abe said.

“Spending money for a green earth and blue ocean, once deemed costly, is now a growth generator,” he said.