About IDE

Message from the President

photo:FUKAO Kyoji

The Institute of Developing Economies (IDE) was founded in 1960, as a corporation with special status under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (now the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry), to undertake basic and comprehensive researches on economic, political and social issues affecting developing countries and regions. IDE conducts surveys and researches on all developing, emerging countries and regions-in Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Oceania, and Eastern Europe-mainly through field surveys and empirical studies. The institute actively disseminates research findings to various stakeholders including academics, policymakers, business and industry and civil society by its set of outreach program. The institute also opens collected materials and information of developing, emerging countries and regions to the public through its specialised library service.

Practically, IDE takes a role of the research exchange hub through conducting joint research with collaborative researchers/experts and partner institutions globally. Since 1990, the institute has taken an active role of training experts on international development.

In the twenty first century, high economic growth of developing countries and deepening international division of labour in Asia-Pacific region has led the world economy. The institutional infrastructure that has enabled it was international economy/security scheme that was established by the western developed countries after the World War II. However today, we are in the current that the conventional scheme is facing potential divergence which may have been triggered by some of the major changes; the rise of emerging countries such as China and India, relative decline of the U.S. influence in international relations, and turbulence that the European Community has experienced. Under this uncertain international circumstances, the significance of architecting more fare and transparent, and open international order is increasingly highlighted. IDE can contribute to the global challenge by providing knowledge through conducting comprehensive research on Asian and world economy based on the expertise of area studies and development studies.

IDE will accelerate its research activities making more impact on tackling above mentioned issues. I would highly appreciate your kind support and cooperation to our activities.

Kyoji Fukao
President
The Institute of Developing Economies, JETRO