Virtual Public Forum: The Next Chapter of ASEAN and Japan Economic Cooperation in the Post-Pandemic Era

Agenda

1. Keynote speech from H.E. Koichi Hagiuda, METI
2. Remarks from FPCI, ERIA and KADIN
3. Panel discussion among FPCI, ERIA and ACE

Speaker

• H.E. Koichi Hagiuda
  Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI)
• Dr. Dino Patti Djalal
  Founder and Chairman of Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI)
• Prof. Hidetoshi Nishimura
  President of Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
• M. Arsjad Rasjid P.M.
  Chair of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN)
• Prof. Fukunari Kimura
  Chief Economist of Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
• Dr. Nuki Agya Utama
  Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)

Webinar Summary

AMEICC Secretariat held a virtual public forum as a part of the Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth (DISG) between ASEAN and Japan titled "The Next Chapter of ASEAN and Japan Economic Cooperation in the Post-Pandemic Era", in collaboration with Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI); the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA); the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan.

In the forum, it was a pleasure to have the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan – H.E. Koichi Hagiuda as a keynote speaker. Minister Hagiuda delivered his speech and announced the “ASIA-Japan Investing for the Future Initiative (AJIF)”, a new initiative that provides the direction for economic cooperation in Asia, with a view toward the post-pandemic era.

Please see here for full script of Minister Hagiuda’s keynote speech

Besides, Chair of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN)– M. Arsjad Rasjid P.M., Founder and Chairman of Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI) –Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, and President of Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)– Prof. Hidetoshi Nishimura delivered opening remarks.

The panel discussion was joined by Prof. Fukunari Kimura, the Chief Economist of Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and Dr. Nuki Agya Utama, the Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE). In the discussion, we discussed the next step of ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation, its opportunities, and its challenges.

Outline of the “ASIA-Japan Investing for the Future Initiative”

The ASEAN region is facing changes due to ever faster innovation (notably due to the march of digitalization) and increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability in urban and rural areas (including problems with transportation infrastructure and other issues arising from the progress of climate change and urbanization). In light of these changes, this initiative aims to actively promote new future-oriented investment (future investment) based on three principles:
(1) offer effective solutions to the reality faced by ASEAN countries;

(2) create the foundation for sustainable economic society, using private sectors’ innovation to the maximum extent; and

(3) “co-create” the region’s future through collaboration with local businesses and partnerships between Japan and ASEAN countries.

Specifically, the initiative will aim to strengthen investment in supply chains, connectivity, digital innovation, and human resources to bring about the following ideal images of the future:
(1) improving attractiveness of the region as a hub of global supply chain; and
(2) creating innovation to enhance sustainability and solve social challenges

For more information, please see the related materials below.

Please see here for the video recording of the forum
Please see here for Outline of “ASEAN-Japan Economic Cooperation in the Post-Pandemic Era” released by METI, Japan
Please see here for METI’s news release
Please see here for FPCI’s news release