Greetings from DISG Secretariat
Dear readers,
We hope that all of you are doing well this month. We are pleased to finally announce the final version of the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” that have been communicated you all for a long time. Moreover, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the 3rd Fast Track Pitch, “Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023” was held under the “ASEAN-Japan Co-Creation Fast Track Initiative,” which aims to encourage the creation of open innovation through collaboration between startups and large companies in both ASEAN and Japan.
Including the two aforementioned topics, this month's newsletter will cover 6 topics;
- • Release of the Final Version of the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” and formulation of the “Future Design & Action Plan”
- • Report on “Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023” and Announcement of “Inno Vietnam-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2023”
- • Video Message from Prime Minister Kishida at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit
- • ASEAN-related Summits and Summits with other countries
- • State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nakatani’s visit to Semarang, Indonesia
- • Other Diplomatic Updates
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
Release of the Final Version of the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” and formulation of the “Future Design & Action Plan”
On August 22nd, 2023, at the AEM-METI Consultations, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Mr. Nakatani explained the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” and the “Future Design & Action Plan”, which were welcomed and agreed upon by the Economic Ministers of ASEAN countries.
After the release of the “Interim Report” on June 5th, 2023, the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” was finalized by the committee through interviews with leading companies, experts, and other stakeholders in Japan and ASEAN member states in a variety of fields, while examining the results of related events and surveys. In addition, ASEAN member states and Japan also formulated the “Future Design and Action Plan” that describes measures to be taken for the future of ASEAN and Japan to realize the vision.
To realize the new economic relationship outlined in the vision, the public and private sectors of ASEAN and Japan will work together with great efforts to implement the action plan.
Outline of the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision
➔ ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision
➔ ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision: Summary (English)
Future Design & Action Plan Overview
➔ Future Design and Action Plan for Innovative and Sustainable ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation 2023 - 2033 (English)
- METI: Final Version of “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” and “Future Design and Action Plan” Released (English) (LINK)
- JETRO: Final version of “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” released (Japanese) (LINK)
- JETRO: ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision Project (Japanese) (LINK)
Report on “Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023” and
Announcement of “Inno Vietnam-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2023”
■ Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023
On September 1st, 2023, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), co-hosted with the Indonesian Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, held the “Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023” in Jakarta.
On the day of the event, 23 startups from Japan, Indonesia, and other regions presented their proposals on the open innovation challenges provided by a total of 8 Japanese and Indonesian companies in front of more than 300 participants (more than 170 on-site and more than 130 online participations).
Prior to the presentations, Mr. Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan, Mr. Kiya, Ambassador of the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, Mr. Ishiguro, Chairman and CEO of JETRO, Dr. Edi Prio Pambudi, Deputy Minister for Coordination of International Economic Cooperation, and Mr. Yohanes Lukiman, Policy Manager for Digital Transformation of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, delivered opening remarks, stressing the importance of strengthening cooperation to create innovation between the two countries.
■ Pitch Session by Startups
During the application period, approximately 140 startups from all over the world submitted proposals to the challenges provided by the 8 challenge owners from Japanese and Indonesian companies. From among these, the following 23 startups, selected as finalists by each challenge owner, presented their proposals at the pitch session.
For more information on each challenge and the finalists' startups, click here (English)
■ Networking Session
At the pitch event venue, participants, including challenge owners, startups, VCs, accelerators, government organizations, and co-organizers, actively engaged in the networking session.
＜Previous Fast Track Pitches＞
1st: Singapore-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event @ Singapore (April 20th, 2023) (LINK)
2nd: Zest Thailand – Thailand-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023 @ Thailand (August 7th, 2023) (LINK)
＜Upcoming Fast Track Pitch Schedule＞
4th: Inno Vietnam-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2023 @ Vietnam (November 3rd, 2023) (LINK)
■ Inno Vietnam-Japan Fast Track Pitch 2023
- • Co-host: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, Ministry of Planning and Investment of Vietnam, National Innovation Center (NIC)
- • Cooperation: ASEAN Secretariat, and others
- • Date: Friday, November 3rd, 2023 (Time: TBD)
- • Venue: Hanoi city (TBD)
- • Format: Offline and online (live via Zoom and official NIC Facebook page)
- • Language: English (Vietnamese simultaneous interpretation available)
- • Registration: To be announced at a later date on JETRO's special website.
- METI held the “Indonesia-Japan Fast Track Pitch Event 2023” in Jakarta to accelerate global open innovation of Japanese companies/startups (English) (LINK)
Video Message from Prime Minister Kishida at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit
Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, contributed a video message at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit 2023 held on September 3rd – 4th, 2023.
In the video message, one key word is “co-creation,” in which the ASEAN countries with their remarkable growth and Japan with its cutting-edge technologies both leverage their strengths to build the future together. Under this key word, Japan, together with ASEAN, has overcome environmental, energy, digital, and other issues through innovation and undertaken a wide range of initiatives to build resilient and sustainable economies. One of those initiatives is the concept of an “Asia Zero Emissions Community.” Through the AZEC, he emphasized that Japan will support countries' efforts to accelerate diversified and realistic energy transitions.
In addition, Japan will promote open innovation with ASEAN countries in areas where Japan has strengths, such as semiconductors, next-generation automobiles, aerospace, and advanced medical industries, and work together to create future industries. In the digital field, he also mentioned that Japan will utilize the Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre within ERIA (Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia) to work on enhancing reliable data linkage and supply chain sophistication.
He also mentioned that free and fair economic rules are absolutely essential for vibrant economic activities. Such rules have been supported until now by the network of Free Trade Agreements that Japan and ASEAN nations have advanced, including notably, the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), and the RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement). As for the new IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework), Japan will also make contributions by serving as a bridge between the U.S. and Asia.
- Video Message from Prime Minister Kishida at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (Japanese) (LINK)
ASEAN-related Summits and Summits with other countries
■ The 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit
On September 6th, 2023, the 26th ASEAN-Japan Summit Meeting was held in Jakarta, Indonesia, the ASEAN chair country, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in attendance. At this meeting, a joint statement to establish the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) was adopted. Prime Minister Kishida introduced the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative which had been announced earlier on the same day.
■ ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF)
On September 6th, 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attended the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) held by Indonesia, the ASEAN chair country, as a side event of the ASEAN-related Summit Meetings, as a guest speaker, and delivered a speech before government and business officials of ASEAN countries.
In his speech, Prime Minister Kishida newly announced the “Japan ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative” to further strengthen regional connectivity efforts in both hard and soft (technical cooperation) areas. Under this initiative, he announced that Japan will promote cooperation to strengthen connectivity in a wide range of areas including digital connectivity, maritime cooperation, supply chain resilience, electricity connectivity, and “human and knowledge connectivity” in addition to transport infrastructure development, and will provide human capital development projects for 5,000 individuals over the next three years.
- ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) (English) (LINK)
- Speech by Prime Minister Kishida at the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (English) (LINK)
- Japan ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Cambodia Summit Meeting
On September 7th, 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a summit meeting with Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
At the meeting, Prime Minister Kishida, while conveying his congratulations to Prime Minister Hun Manet for assuming office as prime minister, expressed his desire to work with Prime Minister to strengthen the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” and to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. In response, Prime Minister Hun Manet expressed his gratitude for Japan’s contribution to Cambodia’s peace, reconstruction and economic development, as well as his desire to make efforts to strengthen relations with Japan.
In bilateral relations, the following were discussed;
- - To strengthen security cooperation through military interspecies consultations and visits by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Ream Naval Base.
- - To continue to cooperate for the economic and social development of Cambodia, while also utilizing Japanese technology in the digital area.
- - To continue to support Cambodia’s democratic development.
- Japan-Cambodia Summit Meeting (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Indonesia Summit Meeting
On September 7th, 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia. After the summit meeting, the two leaders issued a Joint Statement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Indonesia and Japan.
At the beginning, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his gratitude for Indonesia’s warm hospitality during the visit of Their Majesties the Emperor and the Empress to Indonesia in June. Prime Minister Kishida also expressed his respect to President Joko for his important role as the ASEAN Chair, and stated that he would work closely with Indonesia to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. In response, President Joko extended his gratitude for Japan’s cooperation to date.
The following is a summary of the exchanged views that took place during the meeting;
- - Continued cooperation in the maritime affairs, energy cooperation including the “Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC)” initiative, and infrastructure development including the Jakarta Mass Rapid Transit Project.
- - Continued cooperation on regional issues such as the situation in Ukraine, the situation in the East and South China Seas, dealing with North Korea on the nuclear and missile issues, as well as the abductions issue and the situation in Myanmar.
- - Prime Minister Kishida’ explanation and President Joko’s understanding of Japan’s position on the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea.
- - Continued cooperation in preparation for the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of Friendship and Cooperation to be held in December this year.
- Japan-Indonesia Summit Meeting (English) (LINK)
- Joint Statement on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Indonesia and Japan (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Laos Prime Ministers' Informal Talks
On September 7th, 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held informal talks with H.E. Dr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
Prime Minister Kishida stated that he would like to cooperate to elevate the “Strategic Partnership” between the two countries to new heights, taking the opportunity of Laos’ ASEAN chairmanship next year and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos in 2025. Prime Minister Kishida also explained the position of Japan regarding the discharge of the ALPS treated water, and, while referring to the recently announced “Japan ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative”, expressed his willingness to announce a new vision for cooperation and concrete cooperation on the occasion of the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Meeting in December.
In response, Prime Minister Sonexay expressed his gratitude for Japan’s continuous support for the socio-economic development of Laos, and his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation on various regional and international issues.
- Japan-Laos Prime Ministers' Informal Talks (English) (LINK)
■ Informal Talks among Prime Minister Kishida, President Marcos, and Vice President Harris
On September 6th, 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held informal talks with H.E. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines and Honorable Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States of America.
Prime Minister Kishida exchanged views with President Marcos and Vice President Harris on the current situation surrounding the South China Sea, and concurred with them to jointly tackle unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force. The three leaders confirmed that their countries would continue to promote the further strengthening of coordination among Japan, the U.S., and the Philippines in various ways in the future.
- Informal Talks among Prime Minister Kishida, President Marcos and Vice President Harris (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Malaysia Prime Ministers' Informal Talks
On September 6th, 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held a brief meeting with Y.A.B. Dato Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia on the occasion of the ASEAN-Japan Summit Meeting.
Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan would work closely with Malaysia to strengthen bilateral relations, including through the establishment of a branch campus of the University of Tsukuba, and to cooperate with Malaysia in realizing the “Asia Zero Emissions Community” initiative. In response, Prime Minister Anwar expressed his desire to further promote the bilateral relations in cooperation with Prime Minister Kishida.
In addition, Prime Minister Kishida asked for understanding and cooperation regarding the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea, and Prime Minister Anwar expressed his understanding about Japan's position.
- Informal Talks between Prime Minister KISHIDA and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Vietnam Prime Ministers' Informal Talks
On September 6th, 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held an informal talk with H.E. Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, after the ASEAN-Japan Summit.
The two leaders agreed to continue to work closely together to further strengthen bilateral relations and the ASEAN-Japan relations, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam this year and the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in December.
- Prime Minister Kishida Held Informal Talk with the Prime Minister of Vietnam (English) (LINK)
■ Contribution by Prime Minister Kishida to Kompas newspaper
On the occasion of his participation in the ASEAN Summit, Prime Minister Kishida contributed a message to Kompas newspaper of Indonesia.
➔ Continuing Epicentrum of Growth in ASEAN (Kompas) (English) (LINK)
- Prime Minister Kishida's Contribution to Kompas (Japanese) (LINK)
State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nakatani’s visit to Semarang, Indonesia
On August 21st-22nd, 2023, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nakatani visited Semarang, Indonesia, and attended ASEAN economic ministerial meetings, including the “AEM-METI Consultation.” In addition, he held meetings with H.E. Mr. Malaithong, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR, and other participating ministers, as well as exchanged views with stakeholders of local companies.
■ Attendance at the ASEAN economic ministerial meetings
（1） The 29th AEM-METI Consultation
On August 22nd, 2023, State Minister Nakatani attended the AEM-METI Consultation to discuss the progress of ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation over the past year. State Minister Nakatani explained Japan's efforts, including the announcement of the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision” and the formulation of the “ASEAN-Japan Future Design & Action Plan”.
Moreover, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) announced the launch of a new center called “E-DISC: ERIA-Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Center” to realize regional digital innovation and a sustainable economy. State Minister Nakatani shared his hope that the center would serve as a knowledge hub for various projects and contribute to the realization of the vision.
Furthermore, he also explained that the IAEA’s comprehensive report published last month concluded that the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea meets with international safety standards and has negligible radiological effects on humans and the environment.
- Joint Media Statement of the 29th AEM-METI Consultation (English) (LINK)
（2） The 26th AME Plus Three (Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea) Consultation (APT)
At the AME Plus Three Consultation held on August 22nd, 2023, attended by ASEAN member countries, Japan, China, and Korea, ERIA reported on the results of a survey for solving the digital divide and participants held discussions on the efforts by respective countries for APT economic cooperation. State Minister Nakatani stated that Japan would provide the maximum support for the DEFA (Digital Economy Framework Agreement) initiative that ASEAN is pursuing with ERIA toward digitization. He also presented Japan’s initiatives, such as activities of the ASEAN-Japan Centre.
Furthermore, he also explained, as with AEM-METI, that the IAEA’s comprehensive report published last month concluded that the discharge of ALPS treated water into the sea meets with international safety standards and has negligible radiological effects on humans and the environment.
- Joint Media Statement of the 26th AME Plus Three Consultation (English) (LINK)
（3） The 11th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting (EAS-EMM)
On August 21st, 2023, at the East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting (EAS-EMM), attended by ASEAN member countries, Japan, China, Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, the United States, and Russia, participants held discussions on the economic situation and economic development in the East Asia region. State Minister Nakatani expressed his condemnation of Russia's aggression against Ukraine and his concern over the situation in Myanmar. In addition, he spoke on points to be addressed for global economic development, including the necessity of securing a rule-based free and fair multilateral trade systems, and on regional cooperation being undertaken by ASEAN and Japan.
Following this, ERIA stated that it would launch E-DISC as early as this week to realize regional digital innovation and a sustainable economy. State Minister Nakatani stated that Japan would proactively support ERIA’s efforts and shared his anticipation for ERIA’s contributions to countries in the East Asia and ASEAN regions through certain efforts, including rulemaking on digital technology and green technology.
- The 11th East Asia Summit Economic Ministers’ Meeting Chair's Statement (English) (LINK)
（4） The 2nd RCEP Ministers’ Meeting after the entry into force of the RCEP Agreement
At the RCEP Ministers’ Meeting held on August 21st, 2023, participants held discussions on a variety of issues involving the operation of the RCEP Agreement, and State Minister Nakatani stressed the importance of implementing the agreement in a transparent manner to build an economic order that observes free and fair rules in the region, and reaffirmed its importance among the ministers.
Moreover, the meeting adopted related documents to establish an RCEP Support Unit and agreed to cooperate in the establishment of the Unit. Furthermore, the meeting announced that it would contribute an additional 500,000 US dollars to further support the implementation of the RCEP Agreement by ASEAN countries.
- Joint Media Statement of the 2nd RCEP Ministers’ Meeting (English) (LINK)
■ Exchange of views with ministers and other stakeholders of participating countries
（1） Meeting with Minister of Industry and Commerce Malaithong, Lao PDR
At the meeting with Lao PDR, which will serve as ASEAN chair next year, the two sides confirmed further collaboration toward ASEAN-Japan cooperation and exchanged views on bilateral relations, including collaboration involving the field of digital technology and the introduction of decarbonization technologies, e.g., hydrogen, ammonia, and CCUS. In addition, Japan provided a scientifically based explanation on the safety of discharging ALPS treated water to the sea.
（2） Meeting with ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe
State Minister Nakatani congratulated Mr. Watanabe for his new position as the president of ERIA, and ERIA explained various initiatives related to green technology, digital technology, and more, as well as the newly opened E-DISC. The two sides agreed to further collaborate to realize the ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision and other initiatives.
■ Exchange of views with executives of local companies and other entities
State Minister Nakatani held meetings with the executives of Japanese companies in Semarang and the Jakarta Japan Club (JJC) to exchange views on the current state of Japanese companies’ business development in Indonesia and challenges in investment in the country.
- METI State Minister Nakatani Visits Semarang, Indonesia (Attending ASEAN Economic Ministerial Meetings) (English) (LINK)
Other Diplomatic Updates
■ Inauguration of the New Cambodian Administration: Congratulatory Letter from Prime Minister Kishida and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hayashi
On August 22nd, 2023, Mr. Fumio Kishida, Prime Minister of Japan, sent a congratulatory letter to H.E. Kitti Tesaphibal Bindit Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, on the occasion of the inauguration of a new administration in Cambodia. Mr. Hayashi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, also sent a congratulatory letter to H.E. Mr. Sok Chenda Sophea, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
In the congratulatory to Prime Minister Hun Manet, Prime Minister Kishida expressed his desire to further promote bilateral, regional, and international cooperation with Cambodia, and to strengthen the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”. Prime Minister Kishida also stated his intention to hold a candid exchange of views, cooperate with Cambodian stakeholders on democracy, and continue to support democratic development of Cambodia.
In the congratulatory letter to Minister Sok Chenda Sophea, Minister Hayashi stated his intention to strengthen the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” by advancing close communications between their ministries. Minister Hayashi also stated that Japan will support the democratic development of Cambodia.
- Inauguration of the New Cambodian Administration: Congratulatory Letter from Prime Minister Kishida and Foreign Minister Hayashi (English) (LINK)
■ The 12th Japan-Cambodia Human Rights Dialogue
On August 29th, 2023, the 12th Japan-Cambodia Human Rights Dialogue was held in Phnom Penh, the capital of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
The dialogue was led respectively by Mr. Naobumi Hashimoto, Ambassador for Human Rights and International Peace and Stability, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and H.E. Mr. An Sokkhoeurn, Under Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia. During this dialogue, both countries exchanged views on efforts and measures on human rights topics, such as freedom of political activities, expression, assembly and association, and the judicial reform and legal aid program, and the Japanese side raised the issues related to elections and civic space in Cambodia. Both countries also had discussions on international cooperation in the field of human rights.
- The 12th Japan-Cambodia Human Rights Dialogue (English) (LINK)
■ Inauguration of New Government in Thailand: Congratulatory Messages by Prime Minister Kishida and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hayashi
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has issued a congratulatory letter to H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, following his appointment on August 23rd, 2023.
In the letter, Prime Minister Kishida conveyed the message that he would like to further promote bilateral cooperation under the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” between the two countries and make utmost efforts to strengthen not only bilateral relations but also cooperation in the regional and international arena on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation this year.
Mr. Yoshimasa Hayashi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, sent a congratulatory letter to H.E. Dr. Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand, following his appointment on September 5th, 2023.
In the letter, Minister Hayashi conveyed the message that he would like to further promote bilateral relations, which was elevated to the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, based on the “Five-Year Joint Action Plan on Japan-Thailand Strategic Economic Partnership” formulated last year and to make utmost efforts to strengthen ASEAN-Japan relations and cooperation in the regional and international arena on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in 2023.
- Congratulatory Message from Prime Minister Kishida to Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha (English) (LINK)
- Congratulatory Message from Foreign Minister Hayashi to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Thailand Parnpree (English) (LINK)
■ Courtesy call on Prime Minister Kishida by a Delegation led by Secretary of Finance Hon. Benjamin Diokno of the Republic of the Philippines
On August 28th, 2023, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida received a courtesy call from a delegation led by Hon. Benjamin E. Diokno, Secretary of Finance, Department of Finance of the Republic of the Philippines and 8 other ministers visiting Japan for the Japan–Philippines High Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation.
Prime Minister Kishida welcomed the visit to Japan by the delegation led by Hon. Benjamin E. Diokno, Secretary of Finance, Department of Finance of the Republic of the Philippines, and expressed that he was pleased to see steady strengthening of the relation between Japan and the Philippines through continued high-level exchanges. Furthermore, Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan would continue to support the Philippines' attainment of Upper Middle-Income status, and that Japan–Philippines High Level Joint Committee on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation would play an important role.
In response, Secretary Diokno reiterated his appreciation for Japan's long-standing contribution, including infrastructure development of the Philippines, and stated that he would like to further deepen cooperation in the economic field.
- Courtesy call on Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio by a Delegation led by Secretary of Finance Diokno of the Republic of the Philippines (English) (LINK)
■ The 14th Japan–Philippines High-Level Joint Committee Meeting on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation
The 14th Japan–Philippines High-Level Joint Committee Meeting on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation was held in Tokyo on August 28th, 2023, with Mr. Masafumi Mori, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, as the Japanese Chairman, Hon. Benjamin E. Diokno, Secretary of Finance of the Republic of the Philippines, and Hon. Arsenio M. Balisakan, Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning of the Republic of the Philippines, as co-chairs of the Republic of the Philippines, along with representatives of relevant ministries and agencies.
At the outset of the meeting, both sides expressed their delight at the steady progress made in cooperation through the continuation of this Joint Committee meeting since last November. Japan expressed the desire to continue to strongly support the “Build Better More” policy emphasized by the Marcos administration through Official Development Assistance (ODA) and public-private partnerships, with a view to the Philippines' aspiration to achieve the Upper Middle-Income status.
Specifically, the two sides confirmed that the Philippine government is making steady progress on cooperation projects related to development issues, including infrastructure development (including railroads), maritime security capacity building, and the Mindanao Peace Talk process, and agreed to promote cooperation in the areas of rural development (including Subic and Clark), information and communications, energy transition, and disaster management.
Both sides welcomed the signing of the loan agreement of the Post Disaster Standby Loan Phase 3 (PDSL 3) at this Joint Committee meeting to address the frequent flooding damage caused by heavy rainfall from typhoons. Moreover, both sides also agreed to continue to maintain close communication through this Joint Committee, and to further deepen the strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines on the economic front through specific cooperation projects.
- The 14th Japan–Philippines High-Level Joint Committee Meeting on Infrastructure Development and Economic Cooperation (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Attendance of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takei, at a reception commemorating the 78th anniversary of the independence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
On September 6th, 2023, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shunsuke Takei attended a reception held by the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the independence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Ambassador Hieu read Prime Minister Chinh's message on behalf of Prime Minister Chinh, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takei read Prime Minister Kishida's greeting on behalf of Prime Minister Kishida, wishing for further development of bilateral relations on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
In his toast, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takei stated that in this year marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Vietnam, exchanges and cooperation between the two countries at all levels have become more active than ever before, and that the best bilateral relations in history today are the result of the active exchanges between many people involved in Japan-Vietnam relations.
The reception was attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Hieu, members of the National Assembly, business community, and many others.
- State Minister for Foreign Affairs Takei attends reception to commemorate the 78th anniversary of the independence of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (Japanese) (LINK)
Editorial Note
