Greetings from DISG Secretariat
Dear Readers,
This is the 30th issue of our Newsletter. We would like to once again express our gratitude to you for subscribing to this Newsletter. We will continue to summarize and disseminate economic and industrial-related events in Japan and ASEAN to your interest, so please look forward to it.
In this issue, we will be covering 5 topics, including an overview of the ASEAN-Japan Generation Z Business Leaders’ Summit, which was launched on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation.
- • Announcement of Participants and Outline of the “ASEAN-Japan Generation Z Business Leaders' Summit”
- • Agreement to Inaugurate the “AZEC Japan-Indonesia Joint Task Force”
- • Mekong-Japan Business Seminar
- • One-week Regional Training on “E-commerce Policy Development and Implementation Strategies” for Stakeholders in the Mekong Region
- • Other Diplomatic Updates
Best regards,
ISHIKAWA Hiroshi
Chair of DISG Task Force
Executive Director, JETRO Singapore
Special Advisor to Minister, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
Announcement of Participants and Outline of the “ASEAN-Japan Generation Z Business Leaders' Summit”
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), co-organizing with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) and in collaboration with the ASEAN Foundation, will hold the “ASEAN-Japan Generation Z Business Leaders’ Summit” on December 14th and 15th in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture.
■ What is the ASEAN-Japan Generation Z Business Leaders’ Summit?
While ASEAN is a global growth center, it still faces various social issues including inequality. By utilizing the experience and assets that Japan has accumulated in the process of its growth to date, there is an urgent need to create “links” between young business leaders in Japan and ASEAN who are self-motivated and have a strong awareness of social issues, and to foster new leaders of change.
Taking advantage of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) have joined hands with the ASEAN Business Advisory Committee and other organizations to strengthen the partnership between Japan and ASEAN in the new era by deepening mutual understanding between Generation Z leaders in Japan and ASEAN and by creating opportunities to co-create solutions to social issues.
■ Outline of the event
| ➔ Pre-event: | October 18-19, 2023 @ Jakarta, Indonesia |
|---|---|
| ➔ Summit: | December 14-15, 2023 @ Karuizawa, Nagano, Japan |
■ Participant
Participants are the Generation Z (Gen-Z) business leaders from ASEAN member states, Japan, and Timor Leste. Please see the details of participants here.
■ ASEAN-Japan Generation Z Business Leaders’ Summit Pre-event
On October 18th - 19th, 2023, co-organized by JETRO, METI, the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), and PoliPoli Inc. with supports of ASEAN Foundation as well as ERIA, held a two-day pre-event of the summit, “Generation Z Business Leaders from ASEAN and Japan Discuss Solutions to Overcome Social Issues” in Jakarta.
The pre-event was used to develop team building in preparation for participation in December's Generation Z Summit in Karuizawa to make a greater positive impact.
The program included lectures, group discussions, expert-led panels, field trips to few companies, team activities, networking, cultural exchanges, and discussions towards joint proposals in the form of policy recommendations or statements for leaders to be presented at the Karuizawa Generation Z Summit.
The panel discussions covered five topics as follows:
1. Realizing Access to Education for All through Innovative Business
2. Synergy of ASEAN and Japan Partnership to Ensure Prosperity for All
3. Promoting ASEAN and Japan Diversity for Economic Co-creation
4. Leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen the Digital Economy
5. Green Economy for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation
- Official Website (English) (LINK)
- Announcement of participants and outline of the “ASEAN-Japan Generation Z Business Leaders’ Summit” (English) (LINK)
Agreement to Inaugurate the “AZEC Japan-Indonesia Joint Task Force”
On September 21st, 2023, an agreement was reached in Jakarta, Indonesia, to inaugurate the AZEC Japan-Indonesia Joint Task Force.
In Jakarta, Indonesia, a mission of Japan’s representatives (including Mr. Maeda Tadashi, Special Advisor to the Cabinet, Mr. Kanasugi Kenji, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Indonesia, officials of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and of the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, and Japanese private sector executives) held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Airlangga, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Indonesia.
In light of the importance that both Japan and Indonesia place on developing concrete projects and supporting them with appropriate assistance in advancing their efforts for decarbonization, Japan and Indonesia agreed to inaugurate the “AZEC Japan-Indonesia Joint Task Force” as a framework for local consultation between the Japanese public and private sectors and the Indonesian government led by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs.
- Agreement Reached on Inauguration of AZEC Japan-Indonesia Joint Task Force in Indonesia (English) (LINK)
Mekong-Japan Business Seminar
On October 4th, 2023, the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC) Secretariat held the “Mekong-Japan Business Seminar” in Bangkok with the National Economic and Social Development Commission of Thailand (NESDC), the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), with speakers from five Mekong region countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam), Japanese business officials, and government officials in charge of investment and industry.
Deputy Director-General for Trade Policy Tetsushi Yoshikawa of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) mentioned that the five countries in the Mekong region, with their high economic growth potential and abundant and talented labor force, are undergoing significant development as consumption regions against the backdrop of expanding domestic demand due to the growth of the middle class. Noting that it has great potential, he stated that Japan would work to develop industry and create business opportunities in the Mekong region in line with the Mekong Industrial Development Vision (MIDV).
JETRO Bangkok President Junichiro Kuroda, noted that many Japanese companies have established operations in the Mekong region, which will become a center of initiatives in areas such as digital, green, and healthcare, and that the United States, China, South Korea, and other countries are also deepening their efforts in the Mekong in terms of climate change action, connectivity, inclusive digitalization, and human resource development. He also stressed that each Mekong country has its own circumstances and unique culture, and that it is important for Japan to understand the situation in each country and be there for them.
Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce Phairush Burapachaisri stated that the friendship between Japan and the Mekong region is deep and that Japan has promoted the economic development of the Mekong region and contributed to its socioeconomic development. Moreover, while pointing out the need to promote innovation and strengthen competitiveness in the Mekong countries, he also mentioned about sustainable growth and inclusiveness that “leaving no one behind” should also be prioritized. Deputy Secretary General of NESDC Wanchat Suwankitti also stressed the need to strengthen platforms to combat climate change and achieve a sustainable society, and the importance of technology transfer through foreign investment.
This was followed by an overview of Mekong-Japan cooperation and the investment environment in each country by government officials, as well as a panel discussion by business representatives and others, who freely and openly exchanged opinions based on the three pillars of Mekong-Japan cooperation; 1) Connectivity, 2) Digital Innovations, and 3) SDGs and Green Initiatives.
- Mekong-Japan Business Seminar Held in Bangkok, High Expectations for Business Opportunities (Japanese) (LINK)
One-week Regional Training on “E-commerce Policy Development and Implementation Strategies” for Stakeholders in the Mekong Region
From September 25th to 29th, to cultivate an enabling and vibrant ecosystem for e-commerce in the Mekong region, Mekong Institute (MI) organized a weeklong regional training on “E-commerce Policy Development and Implementation Strategies for SMEs Development” funded by the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC).
The modular training sought to equip government officials and key stakeholders from Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam, and Thailand (CLMVT) with the necessary knowledge and network capacity to create a conducive e-commerce ecosystem that enhances SMEs’ competitiveness in the global market.
The training emphasized the significance of embracing e-commerce in today’s global economy. E-commerce is transforming trade and business strategies globally, offering Mekong countries the opportunity to enhance international market access for businesses, particularly SMEs, without costly physical investments.
Mr. Kohei Shinji, Deputy Representative of the AMEICC Secretariat at AOTS Bangkok graced the training program and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts among governments and businesses to harness the full potential of e-commerce in the Mekong region.
The training program consists of five modules covering various aspects of cross-border e-commerce, including its economic impact, market conditions, legal and regulatory frameworks, and strategies to empower SMEs in the digital marketplace.
Alumni from this training will form the national pool of resource persons to conduct national workshops with key relevant representatives from concerned government agencies and private sector in CLMVT. Participants crafted action plans on advancing e-commerce tailored to their country’s specific needs and challenges. These action plans will be instrumental in promoting e-commerce and digital trade within the region.
After a series of in-country activities to be led by training alumni through their respective action plans, MI will reconvene the participants to synthesize and evaluate modular training results, share best practices, discuss challenges, and chart the way forward for sustained e-commerce development in Mekong countries.
- A Step Towards E-Commerce Policy and Strategies for SME Development in CLMVT Countries (English) (LINK)
Other Diplomatic Updates
■ Japan-Indonesia Foreign Minister’s Meeting
On September 19th, 2023, during her visit to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa held a Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with H.E. Ms. Retno L.P. Marsudi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.
At the outset, Minister Retno congratulated Minister Kamikawa on her appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and expressed her intention to work closely with her such as in strengthening bilateral relations. In response, Minister Kamikawa expressed her respect for Indonesia's efforts as the ASEAN Chair and congratulated on the success of the ASEAN-related Summit. Minister Kamikawa also expressed her desire to advance bilateral cooperation as well as to further reinforce coordination in addressing regional and international issues.
The Ministers welcomed that the Japan-Indonesia relations was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at the bilateral summit meeting on September 7th and concurred to further develop bilateral relations in a wide range of areas, including infrastructure development and energy cooperation.
The Ministers concurred to continue to work closely together towards the success of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation in December this year.
Finally, both Ministers shared their intention to energetically work on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), and concurred to cooperate with each other.
- Japan-Indonesia Foreign Minister’s Meeting (English) (LINK)
■ Received an Order from National Bank of Cambodia for the Production of Commemorative Silver Coins
The Ministry of Finance, Japan, and the Independent Administrative Agency Japan Mint (hereinafter referred to as “Japan Mint”), in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, are working toward receiving orders for the production of foreign coins.
Recently, Japan Mint received an order from the National Bank of Cambodia to produce silver coins to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of Japan-Cambodia Friendship. (For more information about these coins, please read the attachment.) The National Bank of Cambodia will issue these silver coins as commemorative coins*. In Japan, the commemorative silver coins will be sold by Japan Mint. Japan Mint will announce detailed information on the sale of the coins around October this year.
*The National Bank of Cambodia will issue the commemorative silver coins under the laws of the Kingdom of Cambodia. These commemorative coins will be issued for collection only and may not be used for domestic payments in Cambodia.
- Received an Order from National Bank of Cambodia for the Production of Commemorative Silver Coins (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Dedication of Credentials of Singapore Ambassador to Japan
On September 25th, the Ambassador of Singapore to Japan dedicated his credentials. The Ambassador's name and other details are as follows;
- His Excellency Mr. ONG Eng Chuan
- Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Singapore
- Dedication of Credentials of Singapore Ambassador to Japan (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Audience with His Majesty Bolkiah
On October 9th, 2023, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoko Kamikawa, who is visiting Brunei Darussalam, had an audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, Minister of Finance, and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
- Audience with His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei Darussalam (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Brunei Foreign Minister’s Dinner
On October 8th, 2023, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Yoko Kamikawa had a meeting dinner with Dato Seri Setia Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof, Minister of Foreign Affairs II, Brunei Darussalam.
- Japan-Brunei Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Brunei Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On October 9th, 2023, Minister Erywan and Minister Kamikawa held a foreign ministers’ meeting to discuss bilateral relations and regional and international affairs.
- Japan-Brunei Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (English) (LINK)
■ Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa's Meeting with Japanese Business Officials in Vietnam
On October 10th, 2023, during her visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa held a meeting with representatives of Japanese companies in Vietnam and heard in detail about the local situation regarding various issues that each company is facing, such as infrastructure problems including electricity, weak legal, and administrative systems.
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa's Meeting with Japanese Business Officials in Vietnam (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa and Chairman of the Central Committee for External Relations of the Vietnamese Party Trung
On October 10th, 2023, during her visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa met with H.E. Mr. Le Hoai Trung, Chairman of the Communist Party of Viet Nam's Central Committee for External Relations. The two leaders discussed continued cooperation in the “broad strategic partnership” between the two countries, ASEAN-Japan cooperation, Russia's aggression against Ukraine, the situation in the East and South China Seas, the response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missile issues and the abduction issue, and international affairs, including the situation in Palestine and Gaza.
- Meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa and Chairman of the Communist Party of Viet Nam's Central Committee for External Relations Trung (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Chinh of Viet Nam by Foreign Minister Kamikawa
On October 10th, 2023, during her visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, Prime Minister of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
- Courtesy Call on Prime Minister Chinh of Viet Nam by Foreign Minister Kamikawa (English) (LINK)
■ Courtesy Call by Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa on Vietnamese President Tuong
On October 10th, 2023, during her visit to the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa paid a courtesy call on H.E. Mr. VO Van Tuong, President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam.
- Courtesy call by Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa to Vietnamese President Tuong (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Japan-Vietnam Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Working Lunch
On October 10th, 2023, during her visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting and working lunch with H.E. Mr. Bui Thanh Son, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
- Japan-Viet Nam Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Working Lunch (English) (LINK)
■ Dinner Meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR Saleumxay
On October 11th, 2023, during her visit to Laos, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa had dinner with H.E. Mr. Saleumxay KOMMASITH, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
- Dinner Meeting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan Kamikawa and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos Saleumxay (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa and President of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone
On October 11th, 2023, Foreign Minister Kamikawa met with H.E. Dr. Xaysomphone Phomvihane, President of the National Assembly of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, Deputy Foreign Minister Thongphane, Secretary General Pingkham, Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee Wang Dee, and Vice Chairman of the Economic, Technical and Environmental Committee Kam Wan. Referring to the Civil Code that came into effect in May 2020 through the cooperation of the two countries, she stated that Japan will continue to support sustainable and self-sustaining socioeconomic development of Laos through the development of the legal system, human resource development for Lao party officials and young administrative officials, and support for financial stabilization.
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Meets with Speaker of the Lao National Assembly Xaysomphone (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa meets with Minister Phouth, Lao Minister of Education and Sports and President of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association
On October 11th, 2023, Foreign Minister Kamikawa met with H.E. Dr. Phouth Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, President of the Laos-Japan Friendship Association. She stated that the two countries would continue to cooperate in human resource development through educational assistance and the government-sponsored foreign student program.
- Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa Meets with Minister Phouth, Lao Minister of Education and Sports and President of the Lao-Japan Friendship Association (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Courtesy Call on Lao Prime Minister Sonexay by Foreign Minister Kamikawa
On October 11th, 2023, during her visit to Laos, Foreign Minister Kamikawa paid a courtesy call with H.E. Dr. Sonexay SIPHANDONE, Prime Minister of the Lao People's Democratic.
- Courtesy Call on Lao Prime Minister Sonexay by Foreign Minister Kamikawa (Japanese) (LINK)
■ Meeting between Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamikawa and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao PDR, Saleumxay
On October 11th, 2023, during his visit to Laos, Minister Kamikawa met with Mr. Saluemxay KOMMASITH, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, to further strengthen the ASEAN-Japan relationship as Laos assumes the ASEAN chairmanship next year, and to continue to fully cooperate with Laos for the success of its ASEAN chairmanship. She also said that she would like to cooperate with Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay to elevate the “Strategic Partnership” between the two countries to new heights, taking the opportunity of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Laos in 2025.
- Japan-Laos Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (English) (LINK)
■ Dinner with Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamikawa and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Parnpree
On October 12th, 2023, during her visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa had dinner with H.E. Dr. Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand.
- Japan-Thailand Foreign Ministers’ Dinner (English) (LINK)
■ Japan-Thailand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On October 12th, 2023, during her visit to the Kingdom of Thailand, Minister of Foreign Affairs Yoko Kamikawa held a meeting with H.E. Dr. Parnpree Bahiddha-nukara, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand. In addition to discussing close cooperation with Thailand, which is ASEAN's coordinating country for Japan, in preparation for the Japan-ASEAN 50th Anniversary of Friendship and Cooperation Special Summit in December, the new administration is promoting economic diplomacy and placing emphasis on new areas such as digital, innovation, GX, and DX, and would like to cooperate extensively with Japan.
- Japan-Thailand Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (English) (LINK)
Editorial Note
