The ASEAN region has long been at the center of international business for Japanese companies. However, the environment has undergone significant changes in recent years. The diversification of needs and intensification of competition accompanying economic development are further accelerating. Concurrent with the realization of affluence, interest in various social challenges has increased, and sustainability has become a strong concern in various aspects of business. As the international trend toward decarbonization accelerates, new business opportunities are also expected to emerge there, as exemplified by the "green growth" debate.
As ASEAN region changes, its relationship with Japan is also changing dramatically, and it is important to catch up with the direction and speed of change in ASEAN, while at the same time recognizing the advantages of Japan, so that ASEAN and Japan can co-create a new future.
With this in mind, the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision Formulation Project was launched at last year's ASEAN-Japan Business Week 2022 to discuss and formulate the direction of future ASEAN-Japan economic relations, involving the business communities of ASEAN and Japan.
This year, the interim report of the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision will be released at the Business Week, and a variety of discussions will be held by experts from various fields in line with the Vision's contents (e.g., realization of a sustainable socio-economy, promotion of open innovation, enhancement of connectivity, co-creation of human capital, etc.) on themes such as the latest business situation in ASEAN region, future business possibilities, and specific examples of initiatives by companies that are leading the way and so on.