Greetings from DISG Secretariat
Dear readers,
We have reached June, the turning point of the year 2023, and we hope that you, our readers, are enjoying your fulfilling days. June is the month with 2 major events for ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
One is the announcement of the interim report of the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision,” a project that has been under discussion since July 2022, which will finally be announced at the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Consultations in August this year. This newsletter would like to introduce the interim report of the project.
The second one is the ASEAN-Japan Business Week 2023. This annual event lasted for a total of five days, and was held offline for the first time. In the event, experts from various fields held extensive discussions based on the four pillars of economic co-creation as defined in the interim report of the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision.”
Focusing these 2 major events, this month's newsletter presents you with 8 topics, as follows:
- • Interim Report on “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” Released
- • Report on “ASEAN-Japan Business Week (AJBW) 2023”
- • Building on the ASEAN-Japan Golden Jubilee for a Shared Economic Future
- • “Japan-ASEAN Startup Business Matching Fair 2023” in collaboration with alliances, fostering startup growth beyond ASEAN
- • Trade Facilitation between Japan and Cambodia and Digitization of Trade
- • Bilateral meetings by METI Minister Nishimura
- • Diplomatic Updates by Prime Minister Kishida
- • Other Diplomatic Updates
- • Emergency Grant Aid in response to the Cyclone in Myanmar and Bangladesh
Best regards,
ISHIKAWA Hiroshi
Chair of AMEICC DISG Task Force
Executive Director, JETRO Singapore
Special Advisor to Minister, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
Interim Report on “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” Released
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), and business communities, including the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), have released an “Interim Report” on the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” (hereinafter referred to as the “Vision”), which will set the direction of ASEAN-Japan economic co-creation in the new era with a view to the future commemorating the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation this year.
Following the release on January 6, 2023, of the “Interim Note”, several interviews were held with a variety of representatives of companies and experts who play leading roles in ASEAN and Japan. In parallel with this, they also considered the results of related events and surveys conducted by business communities and other entities in ASEAN Member States. Based on these outcomes and in light of the discussion results of the review committee, the “Interim Report” on the Vision was released.
• Composition and chapters of the Vision
1. Introduction – Redefining the ASEAN-Japan economic relationship in commemoration of the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation
2. Recognition of the current situation – Reflecting on the changes in the relationship between ASEAN and Japan and understanding our current position
3. Vision for a New ASEAN-Japan Economic Relationship
4. Four pillars of action to realize the Vision
5. Conclusion – Next steps towards realizing the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision
Examples of specific measures in the four pillars of action to realize the Vision:
【Attachment】ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision Special Thanks List (As of 5 June 2023)
• Key Statement of the Vision
“Realize a secure, prosperous and free economy and society through fair and mutually beneficial economic co-creation, based on the trust established over the past 50 years.”
• Four pillars of action for economic co-creation:
1. Achieving sustainability which balances diversity and inclusiveness
2. Promoting cross-border open innovation
3. Strengthening cyber-physical connectivity
4. Building an ecosystem for co-creating vibrant human capital
Based on results of discussions during the ASEAN-Japan Business Week 2023 and of the events and surveys conducted by business communities of ASEAN countries, the committee will hold discussions to develop the Vision and report at the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM)-METI Consultations scheduled to be held in August 2023. Moreover, the AEM-METI Consultation is planned to formulate a new action plan for the ASEAN-Japan government based on the Vision as well, which will involve both the public and private sectors to implement the contents and initiatives.
- Interim Report on ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision Released (English) (LINK)
- ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision -Overview of the Interim Report (English) (LINK)
- ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision -Interim Report (English) (LINK)
- [Attachment] ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision Special Thanks List (As of 5 June 2023) (English) (LINK)
Report on “ASEAN-Japan Business Week (AJBW) 2023”
From June 5 to 9, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and related organizations of ASEAN-Japan held the ASEAN-Japan Business Week (AJBW) 2023. This was the third time AJBW was held. The first and second day of the event were held offline (in hybrid format) for the first time since 2021, and a total of 5,500 people (including 1,000 people from overseas) registered for the five-day event.
In the opening session on the first day, METI Minister Nishimura announced the “Interim Report” of the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision,” which is being formulated on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation this year to set the direction for a new era of economic co-creation between ASEAN and Japan. Moreover, to realize this vision, the following three points were stated to be addressed in the future;
(1) Aiming to co-create a carbon-neutral society with ASEAN, Japan will promote specific projects, including the introduction of renewable energy, under the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative and other efforts.
(2) Providing large companies and startups in ASEAN and Japan with opportunities to meet by holding such events as fast-track pitch events which will encourage ASEAN and Japan to become major hubs for creating innovations.
(3) Aiming to build networks among people who support these efforts, Japan and related organizations will invite young leaders, entrepreneurs and others from ASEAN and Japan and hold two events titled “ASEAN-Japan Young Business Leaders’ Summit” and “ASEAN-Japan Generation Z Leaders’ Summit.”
Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, who took the stage to deliver opening remarks from the ASEAN side, said that based on the trust between ASEAN and Japan, a prosperous relationship can be built together. To shape the new economic relationship, he stated the expectation of contributions from the private sector in three areas: sustainability, digital connectivity, and business co-creation. He stressed the importance of “sustainability becoming a core value and a new competitive advantage in future business models,” and expressed hope for the sharing of green sector technologies and know-how from Japanese companies to facilitate the decarbonization of ASEAN. He also mentioned about the ASEAN Digital Framework Agreement (DEFA) and efforts toward a digital economy, and noted that further growth in the region, including Japan and ASEAN, is expected in areas such as finance, e-commerce, and trade.
At the same session, four cooperation documents were also signed to deepen the economic relationship between ASEAN and Japan. First, JETRO and the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on (1) Cooperation in organizing the ASEAN-Japan Young Business Leaders’ Summit and Generation Z Business Leaders’ Summit, (2) Cooperation in Promoting the ASEAN-Japan Co-Creation Fast Track initiative to encourage collaboration between start-ups and large companies, and (3) synergies and cooperation on ASEAN-Japan initiatives in the field of zero emissions. In addition, Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI) and Mitsubishi UFG (MUFG) Bank signed a basic agreement on promoting study of finance schemes using blended finance concerning Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC).
Following this were five days of discussions by a wide range of experts from various fields on business opportunities in ASEAN and the future direction of ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation under the following themes; (1) “Achieving sustainability which balances diversity and inclusiveness,” (2) “Promoting cross-border open innovation,” (3) “Strengthening cyber-physical connectivity,” and (4) “Building an ecosystem for co-creating vibrant human capital.”
The summaries will be updated on the AJBW2023 website (to be announced). Archived videos of each day's program are available on YouTube at the following links;
- English: https://ameicc.org/aseanjapan_businessweek/2023/en/summary/index.html
- Japanese: https://ameicc.org/aseanjapan_businessweek/2023/summary/index.html
Day 1: June 5th (Mon)
- • Opening Session
- • The Vision for a New ASEAN-Japan Cooperation ～ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision～
- • Expectation for ASEAN-Japan Young Business Leaders’ Summit
- • Expectation for ASEAN-Japan Generation Z Leaders’ Summit
- • Changing Global Situation and the Roles of ASEAN and Japan
Day 2: June 6th (Tue)
- • Leading Startups Growing Businesses in ASEAN
- • Co-Creating Innovation between ASEAN Startups and Japanese Companies and Expanding Businesses in Japan
- • Harnessing Social Innovation for Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development
- • Asia Net Zero Community (AZEC) and ASEAN Net Zero Hub
- • Cooperation between ASEAN and Japan through Sports and Sports Business
- • How Japanese Companies can Contribute to ASEAN with their “Soft Power”
Day 3: June 7th (Wed)
- • ASEAN-Japan Cooperation in Human Resource Development and its Future Prospects
- • New Challenges for Social Issue-Solving Business
- • Towards a Community of Innovation through co-creation and Human Resource Development
Day 4: June 8th (Thu)
- • The Japanese Medical Industry's Expansion into ASEAN and Challenges – Searching for Opportunities to Enter the International Medical Business from a New Perspective!
- • Promoting Energy Transition in ASEAN ～Acceleration of Energy Consumer-led Green Investment～
- • Realizing Circular Economy in ASEAN
Day 5: June 9th (Fri)
- • Future Outlook of Economy and Business in ASEAN
- • Finding Business Opportunity for Regional SMEs in ASEAN Region
- • Promoting Digitalization of Supply Chain in ASEAN-Japan
- “ASEAN-Japan Business Week 2023 - Toward Innovative and Sustainable Growth –“ Starts (English) (LINK)
- Promoting ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation, ASEAN-Japan Business Week 2023 (Japanese) (LINK)
- Startup Founders and Managers Discuss ASEAN-Japan Business Development (Japanese) (LINK)
- ASEAN-Japan Cooperation through Sports, J-League and Others Exchange Views (Japanese) (LINK)
- ASEAN-Japan Energy Transition Discussion (Japanese) (LINK)
Trade Facilitation between Japan and Cambodia and Digitization of Trade
On June 9th, 2023, Cambodia-Japan Association for Business and Investment (CJBI), Cambodia-Japan Cooperation Center (CJCC) and Young Entrepreneurs Association of Cambodia (YEAC) jointly organized a seminar under the topic of “Trade Facilitation between Cambodia and Japan and Digitization of Trade” at CJCC, Phnom Penh (252 participants) and through Zoom and Telegram (235 participants). This seminar was held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations.
The purposes of this seminar are: (1) to exchange views with officials from Cambodia on the future relationship on trade between two countries and (2) to promote mutual understanding to facilitate trade between two countries, including the digitization and unification of the process as well as smoothening the border logistics of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, After Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia and the Minister of Commerce of Cambodia provided opening remarks, the Secretary of State, Ministry of Commerce provided a keynote speech on the implementation of the Cambodia Trade Integration Strategy 2019-2023. In the speech Cambodia highlighted Japan's support in promoting trade facilitation and digitalization through bilateral, regional, and multilateral cooperation. The country has implemented various initiatives, including online business registration, automated Certificate of Origin, and the formulation of trade integration and E-commerce strategies to tackle challenges and constraints remained.
Panel discussion session followed with 6 participants, representing public and private sectors of Cambodia and Japan to discuss the current challenges and a way forward of trade matters, including trade agreement, procedures of the customs, smoothening the borders between Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam and improving the standard of the products to satisfy the global standards. It was emphasized that for Cambodia to facilitate trade either bilateral, regional, or multilateral, in particular between Japan, it is envisioned that existing mechanisms have to be streamlined, and that tools need to be updated and upgraded or newly incorporated into the system, particularly by means of digitization. In addition, developing “cyber connectivity” to share trade data within the region was also deemed crucial.
The results of the discussion and recommendations to improve the remaining challenges can be utilized as future direction of Cambodia that will in turn improve investment climate and enhance international trade and cooperation, especially with Japan.
- Trade Facilitation between Japan and Cambodia and Digitization of Trade (LINK)
Bilateral meetings by METI Minister Nishimura
In conjunction with the AJBW, METI Minister Nishimura held bilateral meetings with the following ASEAN dignitaries;
■ Meeting with Chairman Arsjad Rasjid, ASEAN-BAC (Chairman, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Indonesia (KADIN))
Minister Nishimura and Chairman Arsjad Rasjid noted the exchange of the three aforementioned MOUs between JETRO and ASEAN-BAC and confirmed the importance of collaboration among business communities in ASEAN and Japan in advancing projects. They also agreed to advance concrete efforts for establishing networks between young people, promoting open innovation and decarbonization in the Asian region.
■ Meeting with H.E. Mr. Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita, Minister of Industry, the Republic of Indonesia
The two ministers exchanged views on such fields as bilateral cooperation, including energy, ASEAN-Japan cooperation and trade policies, and confirmed their commitment to further deepening economic ties between the two countries.
■ Meeting with H.E Mr. Alfredo Pascual, Secretary of the Department of trade and Industry, the Republic of the Philippines
The two ministers confirmed that cooperation in key industrial sectors, such as automobiles and electronics, and collaboration for innovation creation will be strengthened. They also exchanged views on the future directions of ASEAN-Japan cooperation and trade relationships.
■ Meeting with Dr. KAO Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN
The two sides held fruitful discussions on the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision to be formulated by business communities of ASEAN and Japan, and the new action plan that will be endorsed by the governments based on the Vision. In addition, they exchanged views on energy cooperation, RCEP, and other issues and agreed to further strengthen collaboration between ASEAN and Japan in commemoration of the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation this year.
Diplomatic Updates by Prime Minister Kishida
■ Japan-Indonesia Summit Meeting
On May 20, Mr. Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, who is visiting Japan to attend the G7 Hiroshima Summit.
Key takeaways:
- Prime Minister Kishida welcomed President Joko on his visit to Hiroshima at this historic juncture of the 65th anniversary of Japan-Indonesia diplomatic relations and the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. Prime Minister Kishida also stated that he would like to have a candid discussion with President Joko, the Chair of ASEAN this year, at the G7 Hiroshima Summit. In response, President Joko expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Kishida for inviting him to the G7 Hiroshima Summit, and also stated that he would cooperate towards the success of the summit.
- Prime Minister Kishida mentioned the importance of defending a free and open international order based on the rule of law, bearing in mind the discussion at the G7 Hiroshima Summit, and President Joko expressed his agreement with Prime Minister Kishida’s views. The two leaders also exchanged views on the situation in Myanmar and other issues, and confirmed to continue to cooperate with each other.
- In addition, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his intention to support Indonesia’s capital relocation plan, and President Joko welcomed Japan’s cooperation. Moreover, Prime Minister Kishida stated that he would like to advance bilateral cooperation in “Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC)” initiative, to which President Joko responded with comments on various specific cooperation measures for decarbonization and energy transition.
- Furthermore, the two leaders concurred to continue to closely work together toward the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of Friendship and Cooperation to be held in Tokyo in December.
- Japan-Indonesia Summit Meeting (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Laos Summit Meeting
On May 25, commencing at 6:20p.m. for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Dr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, who was on a visit to Japan. Prime Minister Kishida welcomed President Thongloun’s first visit to Japan in four years, stated that he was happy to meet President Thongloun, for the first time in seven years.
Key takeaways:
《Bilateral Relations》
- Prime Minister Kishida stated that as a strategic partner, Japan will continue to support Laos’ social and economic development through cooperation in areas such as human resource development and financial stabilization, which are the foundation for the country's development. In addition, Prime Minister Kishida also expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation under the Asian Zero Emission Community (AZEC) initiative and to work together on new issues such as the use of digital technology.
- In response, President Thongloun expressed his gratitude for Japan’s continued support in various areas to which the Lao Government attaches importance, as well as his desire to continue to further strengthen cooperation with Japan, an important partner for Laos, including on new challenges.
- Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan will continue to provide utmost support in various forms to Laos, which will serve as ASEAN Chair next year. The two leaders agreed to further develop the strategic partnership relationship between Laos and Japan with a view to Laos serving as ASEAN chair next year and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2025.
《Regional and International Affairs》
- Regarding the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, Prime Minister Kishida stated that the leaders, including the invited countries, shared the recognition that unilateral changes to the status quo by force are unacceptable anywhere in the world, and that the free and open international order based on the rule of law must be upheld. President Thongloun congratulated the success of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, and expressed that it is imperative to solve the issues in the international community through constructive discussions. The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely on various issues.
- The two leaders also shared the view that they will continue to work together toward the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting in December.
- Japan-Laos Summit Meeting (English) (LINK)
■ Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Kishida by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong of the Republic of Singapore
On May 26, commencing at 6:50 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, received a courtesy call from H.E. Mr. Lawrence Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of the Republic of Singapore, who is visiting Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Key takeaways:
- At the beginning of the meeting Prime Minister Kishida stated that he is delighted to welcome Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Wong in this year marking the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. Prime Minister Kishida also stated that he hoped to deepen bilateral cooperation in such areas as digital, energy and climate change, and security including defence equipment cooperation, and to further strengthen cooperation towards realizing a “free and open Indo-Pacific.” In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Wong expressed his appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Government of Japan, and his congratulations on the success of Japan’s chairmanship of the G7 Hiroshima Summit. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Wong also stated that he would like to strengthen the amicable relations between Japan and Singapore.
- The two sides affirmed the importance of upholding and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law, bearing also in mind the discussions at the G7 Hiroshima Summit, and confirmed collaboration in tackling regional and international challenges.
- Furthermore, Prime Minister Kishida stated that he would like to set forth a new vision for ASEAN-Japan cooperation and a wide range of concrete cooperation through holding an ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in December. In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Wong expressed his desire to cooperate firmly with Japan.
- Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Kishida by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong of the Republic of Singapore (English) (LINK)
Other Diplomatic Updates
■ Meeting between Foreign Minister Hayashi and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Wong of the Republic of Singapore
On May 26, commencing at 5:30 p.m. for approximately 35 minutes, Mr. Hayashi Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Lawrence Wong, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of the Republic of Singapore, who is visiting Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Key takeaways:
《Bilateral Relations》
- Minister Hayashi stated that he would like to strengthen cooperation in such areas as digital technology, energy, and climate change, including the “Asian Zero Emission Community” initiative, and security, including defence equipment cooperation. In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Wong welcomed the progress of cooperation in each area and expressed his desire to further develop the amicable bilateral relations.
《Cooperation in Tackling Regional and International Issues》
- Minister Hayashi explained the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, and stated that Japan would take these outcomes to the discussion at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in December. In response, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Wong congratulated the G7 Hiroshima Summit on its success and expressed his desire to cooperate with Japan on various issues in the region and the international community.
- While exchanging views on Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the East and South China Seas, the response to North Korea on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, and the maintaining of the high standards of the CPTPP, the two sides confirmed the importance of upholding and strengthening a free and open international order based on the rule of law.
- Meeting between Foreign Minister Hayashi and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Wong of the Republic of Singapore (English) (LINK)
■ Signing of Japan-Singapore Defence Equipment and Technology Transfer Agreement
On June 3 (local time) in Singapore, H.E. Mr. Ishikawa Hiroshi, Ambassador of Japan to Singapore, and Mr. Melvyn Ong, Permanent Secretary (Defence Development), Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Singapore, signed the “Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Singapore concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology”. The Agreement came into effect on June 3.
Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Singapore concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology.
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/files/100512760.pdf
- Signing of the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of the Republic of Singapore concerning the Transfer of Defence Equipment and Technology (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Laos Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On May 25, Mr. Hayashi Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
Key takeaways:
- At the beginning of the meeting, Minister Hayashi welcomed the increasingly active exchanges at all levels with Laos, an important strategic partner for Japan, and stated that Japan would continue to provide maximum support for a successful series of meetings as Laos assumes the ASEAN chairmanship next year. In response, Minister Saleumxay expressed appreciation for Japan’s support.
- Minister Hayashi stated that Japan will continue to provide support that contributes to the economic and social development of Laos, referring to Japan’s recent assistance, such as grant aid for clearing Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), grant aid for financing young officials’ studies in Japan, and loans through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Monsoon Wind Power Project in southern Laos. Minister Saleumxay expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support in various fields. In addition, the two Ministers confirmed that Japan and Laos will advance security cooperation and continue to coordinate closely in a range of areas in international fora.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views on regional affairs. Minister Hayashi referred to the outcomes of the G7 Hiroshima Summit, and the two Ministers affirmed their commitment to upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, such as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the view that any unilateral change of the status quo by force is unacceptable anywhere in the world. The two Ministers also confirmed that they will continue to work together in dealing with the situation in the South China Sea, on North Korea including the nuclear, missile, and abductions issue, and the situation in Myanmar.
- The two Ministers affirmed that they will work closely together for the convening of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in December, towards Laos’ assumption of the ASEAN Chairmanship next year, and for the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos in 2025.
- Japan-Laos Foreign Ministers' Meeting (English) (LINK)
■ Attendance at the opening ceremony of “Laos Festival 2023” by Mr. Takei, State Minister for Foreign Affairs
On May 27 (Sat) and 28 (Sun), “Laos Festival 2023” was jointly organized by the Embassy of Laos in Japan and Sakura International High School (supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) at the Yoyogi Park Event Square. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takei attended the opening ceremony on the 27th as a representative of the Japanese government.
In addition to Mr. Takei, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, the opening ceremony was attended by many officials, including Ms. Shinako Tsuchiya, a member of the House of Representatives and President of the Japan-Laos Parliamentary Friendship Association, and H.E. Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, who was on a Japan visit.
In his opening remarks, State Minister Takei stated that Laos, a “Strategic Partner” of Japan, is a country full of attractions such as rich nature and culture, and that he hopes this event will increase the number of Laotian fans and further deepen exchanges between the two countries.
On the festival's main stage, artists from both countries performed songs and traditional dances. The venue was also lined with booths displaying and selling Laotian specialties and Laotian cuisine, attracting many visitors and providing an opportunity to deepen understanding of Laos.
- State Minister of Foreign Affairs Takei attends the opening ceremony of “Laos Festival 2023” (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Meeting between Mr. Takagi, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and H.E. Ms. Phongsamouth Anlavan, Ambassador of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic to Japan
On June 7, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Kei Takagi met with H.E. Ms. Phongsamouth Anlavan, Ambassador of the Lao People's Democratic Republic to Japan.
Key takeaways:
- Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takagi congratulated President Thongloun on his visit to Japan last month and the success of the Laos Festival, and expressed his desire to further develop bilateral relations toward Laos' ASEAN chairmanship next year and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos in 2025.
- Ambassador Phongsamouth expressed her appreciation for the cooperation from the Japanese side including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during President Thongloun's visit to Japan, and also expressed her desire to further deepen bilateral exchanges in close cooperation with Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takagi, as 2024 is the “Visit Lao Year,” as Laos serves as the ASEAN chair.
- Parliamentary Vice-Minister Takagi and Ambassador Phongsamouth exchanged a wide range of views on bilateral relations in a friendly atmosphere throughout the meeting.
- Meeting between Mr. Takagi, Parliamentary State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and H.E. Ambassador Phongsamut Anlawang, Ambassador of Laos to Japan (Japanese) (LINK)
Emergency Grant Aid in response to the Cyclone in Myanmar and Bangladesh
On June 6, the Government of Japan decided to extend Emergency Grant Aid of USD 2 million to Myanmar and Bangladesh affected by Cyclone Mocha on May 14.
The western part of Myanmar and the Cox's Bazar district where displaced persons camps are located and other areas of Bangladesh have been severely affected by Cyclone Mocha and its subsequent flood. This Emergency Grant Aid is to provide assistance in the areas of food, water and sanitation, and shelter through the World Food Programme (WFP), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Breakdown of the Emergency Grant Aid (Implementing Agencies, Areas of Assistance, and Amount of Contribution)
■ Myanmar
United Nations World Food Programme (WFP): Food (USD 1 million)
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): Water and sanitation, shelter (USD 500,000)
■ Bangladesh
International Organization for Migration (IOM): Water and sanitation (USD 500,000)
- Emergency Grant Aid for Cyclone Damage in Myanmar and Bangladesh (English) (LINK)
Editorial Note
