April 10, 2009, Fukuoka - Dr. Vinod K. Aggarwal, Director and Professor at Berkeley University’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Study Center spoke on "The Impact of the Global Financial Crises and U.S. Economic and Trade Policy towards Asia" at the Fukuoka American Center. Almost 70 people from business, university, government and the media attended the program.

Dr. Aggarwal examined the background of the current global financial crisis from an historical perspective, pointing out that from the 1820s, there have been a number of international debt crises. He noted that governments have always played a key role in resolving those crises and explained the U.S. government’s policy initiatives to address the current economic downturn. Dr. Aggarwal also commented on the Obama administration’s likely trade policies but noted the current priority is getting the U.S. economy back on track.