East Asian Insurance Day
Oct. 18, 2022
One of the most important activities of the General Insurance Association of Japan (GIAJ) is to promote mutual understanding and interchanges with overseas general insurance markets through the exchange of information and opinions, including active participation in the East Asian Insurance Congress (EAIC), the biggest international insurance conference in Asia, in cooperation with the Life Insurance Association of Japan.
On the occasion of the East Asian Insurance Day, which was launched in 2006 by the EAIC to help the public gain a better understanding of the role of insurance in East Asia, Mr. Giichi Shirakawa, Chairman of the GIAJ delivered a message both at home and abroad.
Greetings in commemoration of East Asian Insurance Day
To commemorate the sixteenth annual “East Asian Insurance Day” (October 18), which was established by the East Asian Insurance Congress (EAIC), I would like to send my heartfelt greetings on behalf of the General Insurance Association of Japan (GIAJ).
First of all, I wish to offer my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives due to Covid-19, and I would like to express my heartfelt sympathy to the people in the countries and regions affected by recent natural disasters.
I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to the medical professionals and to those involved in rescue and recovery activities in the affected areas who work hard to maintain social functions.
The EAIC, which held its first congress in Tokyo on October 18, 1962, celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The first conference with only around 20 overseas participants, has grown into the largest insurance congress in Asia with more than 2,000 attendees from 23 regions.
East Asian Insurance Day was implemented in 2006 with the purpose of promoting the role and importance of insurance, as well as understanding of the activities of the EAIC in each region.
I believe that to promote and raise the level of insurance penetration in each region is an important and highly public initiative, which is very beneficial for the development of a sound economy and prosperous society in East Asia.
Mr. Giichi Shirakawa, Chairman
The General Insurance Association of Japan (GIAJ)
Every year since 1972, the GIAJ has hosted the Insurance School (non-life) of Japan (ISJ), an international insurance technical assistance program for industry professionals in East Asia. The ISJ was established in response to an EAIC request and a recommendation by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Backed by a long history of helping professionals in the insurance industry throughout East Asia, the ISJ has more than 2,230 graduates and is today highly regarded by all participating regions.
This year the ISJ celebrates its 50th anniversary, and we would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of you for your support.
On East Asian Insurance Day, the GIAJ will continue to implement the following initiatives from the perspective of raising public awareness of the role and importance of insurance, as well as the activities of the EAIC:
1) Utilize the GIAJ’s website and insurance business publications for communication and public affairs.
2) Contact ISJ graduates to celebrate East Asian Insurance Day and encourage them to attend the next EAIC.
The general insurance industry continues to play a major role in realizing a safe and secure society for all, not only by demonstrating the principle role of general insurance, which is to compensate economic losses caused by accidents and disasters, but also by investing resources to strengthen disaster prevention and reduction and digital transformation initiatives.
In this regard, we are facing a variety of risks that we have never before experienced, such as the prolonged effects of Covid-19 and frequent natural disasters.
Even in this severe and uncertain environment, the GIAJ will work together with its member companies to sincerely address and tackle various social issues to maintain the long-term functions of the general insurance system, which serves as an important social infrastructure that supports both our society and the economy.
To conclude, I hope that East Asian Insurance Day serves as a good opportunity for everyone who works in the industry in all regions to reaffirm the role of insurance in helping to solve social issues and promote the importance of cooperation between East Asian regions through the EAIC.
On behalf of the GIAJ, I offer my warmest congratulations on this commemorative day, and hope that the East Asian insurance market will continue to progress far into the future.