Greetings from DISG Secretariat
Dear Readers,
As some ASEAN member countries and Japan celebrate the harvest festival, families and friends come together to share warmth and joy during this special time. We extend our heartfelt wishes for wealth and prosperity to all.
In the past month, leaders from ASEAN and Japan have convened on several occasions to enhance collaboration and strengthen bonds for economic and social development. Notably, the Second AZEC Ministerial Meeting brought together key officials to discuss strategies for advancing trade, investment, and sustainable development across the region. In this edition of our newsletter, we will explore this significant meeting alongside other key events that highlight the growing partnerships in our region and their positive impact on future cooperation.
This volume will explore the following 3 topics;
- • Japan-Viet Nam Summit Video Teleconference Meeting
- • METI Minister Saito’s Visit to Indonesia to attend the Second AZEC Ministerial Meeting
- • Courtesy Call on Foreign Minister Kamikawa by Lao External Relations Head H.E. Thongsavanh Phomvihane
Best regards,
ISHIKAWA Hiroshi
Chair of DISG Task Force
Executive Director, JETRO Singapore
Special Advisor to Minister, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan
Japan-Viet Nam Summit Video Teleconference Meeting
On September 3, 2024, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio held a summit video teleconference meeting with H.E. Mr. To Lam, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam at the Prime Minister's Office.
At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida offered his congratulations to General Secretary To Lam on his appointment as General Secretary of the Communist Party, and stated that he is confident that his appointment will further deepen relations between the two countries. He also emphasized his commitment to developing the “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity in Asia and the World,” established last year on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Viet Nam. General Secretary To Lam appreciated Kishida’s efforts and pledged to further strengthen bilateral ties.
The leaders concurred on the importance of expanding people-to-people exchanges and fortifying economic ties. They agreed to revitalize Official Development Assistance (ODA), improve the business climate, and collaborate on new initiatives, including Digital Transformation (DX), Green Transformation (GX), and the development of highly skilled human resources. They also pledged to strengthen security cooperation.
Furthermore, the leaders exchanged views on regional and international matters. Kishida reaffirmed Japan’s intent to continue its collaboration with Vietnam, a crucial partner in promoting a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” and both leaders committed to advancing peace and stability in the region and the global community.
- Japan-Viet Nam Summit Video Teleconference Meeting (English) (by Cabinet Public Affairs Office: LINK1, LINK2) (by MOFA: LINK)
METI Minister Saito’s Visit to Indonesia to attend the Second AZEC Ministerial Meeting
From August 20 to August 21, 2024, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Saito visited Jakarta, the Republic of Indonesia, and attended the Second Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) Ministerial Meeting. He also exchanged views with ministers and related parties from each country on cooperation toward decarbonization, and participated in the launch ceremony of the Asia Zero Emission Center and the MOU ceremony. The highlights are as follows;
■ The Second Ministerial Meeting of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC)
The second AZEC Ministerial Meeting was convened with representatives from all 11 AZEC partner countries and international organizations. Japan’s delegation included METI Minister Saito, State Minister of the Environment Yagi, and Ambassador for AZEC Yamada.
METI Minister Saito presented AZEC's activity policy, while State Minister Yagi reported on the Ministry of the Environment’s efforts. Participants from various governments and international bodies discussed the importance of diverse strategies for achieving net zero, including energy transition policies and decarbonization in the power, transport, and industrial sectors.
The Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) outlined the Asia Zero Emission Center’s future initiatives, and the policy recommendations by the AZEC Advocacy Group were presented to the Chair.
The meeting culminated in the adoption of a joint statement reaffirming AZEC’s core principles, such as “achieving net zero through diversified pathways” and “simultaneously achieving decarbonization, economic growth, and energy security.” Leaders also agreed on sectoral initiatives to promote decarbonization in the electricity, transport, and industry sectors over the next decade.
■ Asia Zero Emission Center Launch Ceremony
On August 21, 2024, an inauguration ceremony for the Asia Zero Emission Center was held at the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). During the event, participating ministers reviewed and confirmed the activities of the Asia Zero Emission Center at ERIA and AZEC.
■ MOU Ceremony
Since the AZEC Summit in December 2023, approximately 70 new memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with relevant organizations in AZEC partner countries have been confirmed and announced in preparation for this meeting. Additionally, METI has finalized a memorandum of cooperation on carbon capture and storage (CCS) with Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, and a memorandum of cooperation on transition finance with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and ERIA.
■ Bilateral meetings
METI Minister Saito exchanged views with ministers and related parties from each country on cooperation toward decarbonization, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, the Philippines, and private sector.
At the gala dinner, METI Minister Saito delivered the opening remarks to an audience of ministers and key stakeholders from various countries. The AZEC Advocacy Group, including business leaders from Keidanren, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC), and ERIA, held its inaugural roundtable and presented a policy proposal for decarbonization. Additionally, the AZEC Business Forum saw over 200 business leaders from various organizations, including ABAC, Keidanren, ERIA, and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, engage in discussions on renewable energy, decarbonization of thermal power, and financing.
Over the course of these two days, the productive discussions and collaborative efforts at the second AZEC Ministerial Meeting have reinforced optimism that participating countries are poised to unite and advance the ambitious goals of AZEC. The commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders highlights a shared resolve to drive progress in decarbonization, energy transition, and sustainable development.
- Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Saito Visits Jakarta, Republic of Indonesia (Japanese) (LINK)
Courtesy Call on Foreign Minister Kamikawa by Lao External Relations Head H.E. Thongsavanh Phomvihane
On August 26, 2024, Ms. Kamikawa Yoko, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, received a courtesy call from H.E. Mr. Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Head of the Central Committee for External Relations, Lao People's Revolutionary Party, who is visiting Japan.
At the outset, Minister Kamikawa expressed her gratitude to the Lao Government for their warm reception during her recent visit and congratulated them on the successful ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers’ Meetings. She reiterated Japan's full support for Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship this year. In response, Mr. Thongsavanh appreciated Japan’s support and expressed a commitment to deepening bilateral relations.
Both sides discussed cooperation for Laos’ economic development and agreed to enhance people-to-people exchanges, including party-level interactions through a leaders’ training program, in preparation for the 70th anniversary of Japan-Laos diplomatic relations next year.
- Courtesy Call on Foreign Minister Kamikawa by H.E. Mr. Thongsavanh PHOMVIHANE, Head of the Central Committee for External Relations, Lao People's Revolutionary Party (English) (LINK)
Editorial Note
