BEIJING - Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is one of the most important functions that can reinforce the international development of enterprises. Concern with social welfare has been the common foundation of enterprises from different countries in communicating and cooperating during the trend of globalization.

That was the view given by Yuji Kiyokawa, president of the Japan-China Economic Association, during the 2010 China CSR Annual Conference in Beijing. He explained that although operating philosophies were different between enterprises from different countries, when it comes to CSR, there is one common prospect of improving social welfare and helping disadvantaged groups. CSR, as "the shared language between companies", can tight business relationships between companies with various cultures.

"Every year, a delegation of leaders from Japan's business world visits China to exchange views directly with Chinese national leaders. At present, the project of primary emphasis is energy-conservation and environmental protection," said Yuji. "Another project is that which President Hu Jintao proposed during his visit to Japan in 2008, which involves participating in development in the west, northeast and central regions."