On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, the Gifu Regional Council for the Promotion of International Exchange General Meeting 2023 was held online, which was attended by thirty-one member organizations. Gifu University has been serving as the council's secretariat since its founding.

After the establishment in February 1990, the Gifu Regional Council for the Promotion of International Exchange has been actively facilitating smooth acceptance of international students and their interactions with people in Gifu Prefecture. The members of the council include universities, colleges, local governments, economic associations, international exchange organizations and civic bodies. The presidents of Gifu University have been appointed to be the chairperson for the council since its establishment.

In the general meeting on July 4, after the opening speech by President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro of Gifu University, Professor DOI Yasuhiro, Vice Presidential Advisor of Nagoya University (Director of Nagoya University Career Support Center, and Chairperson of Aigi Career Development Consortium for International Students) delivered a speech titled, "Growing number of international students working for Japanese companies: roles of international students and internship programs." He spoke about active roles played by international students at Japanese companies and their impacts on Japanese businesses.

Next, Mr. NISHIZAKI Hironori, Plant Inspector from Nagoya Plant Protection Station (Aichi Prefecture) spoke about the potential risks posed by invasive diseases and pests to Japanese society, and the revisions of the Plant Protection Act in Japan (speech title; "Requests from Nagoya Plant Protection Station").

We are committed to dealing with the rapidly changing situations surrounding international students in Gifu, and continue to take actions for the benefits of international students and local communities through forming a strong, close network with one another.