Greetings from DISG Secretariat
Dear Readers,
Hello everyone. I am Masuo Kuremura, who assumed the role of DISG Chair this summer. Japan and ASEAN have long built the foundation for the world's manufacturing hubs and supply chains, initially centered on automobiles and electronics. We are now shared partners co-creating new value. The ASEAN-Japan Economic and Trade Meeting (AEMMETI) was held in Malaysia this September. There, the direction for the next phase of cooperation between Japan and ASEAN was outlined. ASEAN now faces significant challenges: responding to U.S. tariffs and addressing China's overproduction issues. Now is the time for Japan and ASEAN to unite in maintaining and strengthening rules-based free trade and the Indo-Pacific. Amid these major shifts, I am delighted to discuss concrete cooperation for the next era of Japan-ASEAN relations with ASEAN members through DISG.
Masuo Kuremura
DISG Task Force Chair
Executive Director, JETRO Singapore
Special Advisor to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
Minister Muto Meets with Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs
On May 8, 2025, Minister Yoji Muto met with Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister Airlangga Hartarto to discuss strengthening bilateral economic relations. They exchanged views on cooperation in energy, natural resources, and industry, including LNG, critical minerals, and AZEC, as well as on joint responses to global economic challenges and the maintenance of supply stability.
- Minister Muto Holds Meeting with H.E. Mr. Airlangga Hartarto, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia (English) (LINK)
The 7th Japan-Thailand Energy Policy Dialogue
On July 15, 2025, METI and Thailand’s Ministry of Energy held the 7th Japan–Thailand Energy Policy Dialogue in Pattaya to advance cooperation on decarbonization and energy transition under the AZEC framework. The two sides welcomed two MOUs and a General Agreement on hydrogen, ammonia, and energy conservation, and visited PTT Group’s LNG facility to observe decarbonization efforts.
- The 7th Japan-Thailand Energy Policy Dialogue Held (English) (LINK)
Minister Muto Visits Malaysia
In September 2025, Minister Yoji Muto attended the 28th AEM+3, 31st AEM-METI, and 4th RCEP Ministers’ Meetings in Kuala Lumpur. Discussions focused on strengthening ASEAN-Japan cooperation in supply chains, digital and green sectors, and promoting a free, rules-based trading system. He also held bilateral talks with Malaysia, Australia, and the EU.
- Minister Muto Visits Malaysia (English) (LINK)
Japan-Vietnam Summit Meeting
On April 28, 2025, Prime Minister Ishiba met with Prime Minister Chinh in Hanoi. The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in defense, economy, and people-to-people exchanges under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including semiconductor training, $20 billion GX projects, and a new 2+2 dialogue. They also discussed regional and global issues such as the South China Sea and North Korea.
- Japan-Viet Nam Summit Meeting (English) (LINK)
Japan-Laos Summit Meeting
On May 29, 2025, Prime Minister Ishiba met with President Thongloun to mark the 70th anniversary of Japan–Laos relations. The leaders agreed to advance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through cooperation in economic resilience, governance, and decarbonization under AZEC. They also discussed regional issues, including the East and South China Seas and North Korea.
- Japan-Laos Summit Meeting (English) (LINK)
ASEAN–Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On July 10, 2025, Foreign Minister Iwaya attended the ASEAN–Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur. The ministers affirmed steady progress under the ASEAN–Japan Vision and discussed cooperation in GX, DX, connectivity, and security. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues, including Myanmar, the South China Sea, and North Korea.
- ASEAN-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (English) (LINK)
Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
On July 10, 2025, Foreign Minister Iwaya co-chaired the 16th Mekong–Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with Viet Nam’s Deputy Prime Minister Son. The ministers discussed progress under the Mekong–Japan Cooperation Strategy 2024 and agreed to deepen cooperation in connectivity, decarbonization, digitalization, and security, while addressing regional challenges including transnational crime and the situation in Myanmar.
- Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (English) (LINK)
The 13th Japan-Cambodia Human Rights Dialogue
On August 29, 2025, Japan and Cambodia held the 13th Human Rights Dialogue in Phnom Penh, co-chaired by Ambassador Tsutsumi and Under Secretary of State Sovann. The two sides discussed freedom of expression, elections, judicial reform, protection of vulnerable groups, and cooperation on human rights in international forums.
- The Thirteenth Japan-Cambodia Human Rights Dialogue (English) (LINK)
Mr. Kishida’s AZEC Visit to Indonesia and Malaysia
From May 3–7, 2025, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister, visited Indonesia and Malaysia with AZEC members. He met leaders including President Prabowo, Prime Minister Anwar, and ASEAN Secretary-General KAO Kim Hourn to advance AZEC cooperation, decarbonization, energy transition, trade, and industrial projects, and visited ERIA, Delta Mas Industrial Center, and MJIIT to engage with local initiatives and Japanese businesses.
- Visit Report by Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister, and the Parliamentary Association of AZEC (English) (LINK)
- Mr. KISHIDA Fumio’s Visit to Indonesia, as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister (English) (LINK)
- Mr. KISHIDA Fumio’s Visit to Malaysia, as Special Envoy of the Prime Minister (English) (LINK)
Japan-Cambodia Summit Meeting
On May 30, 2025, Prime Minister Ishiba met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet in Tokyo. They issued a joint statement and an “Economic Co-Creation Package,” reaffirming cooperation on security, maritime defense, investment, digital infrastructure, clean energy via AZEC, democratic development, online fraud, mine action, and regional issues including North Korea, Myanmar, and the South/East China Seas.
- Japan-Cambodia Summit Meeting (English) (LINK)
- Japan-Cambodia Summit Meeting and Working Dinner (English) (LINK)
- Japan-Cambodia Joint Press Announcement (Japanese) (LINK)
17th ASEAN-Japan FJCCIA Dialogue
On July 29, 2025, FJCCIA held its 17th dialogue with ASEAN Secretary-General Kim Hourn in Jakarta. Discussions focused on strengthening ASEAN-Japan collaboration under the four pillars of the AEC Strategic Plan: resilient supply chains, green economy, digital innovation, and inclusivity. JETRO and chamber representatives highlighted cooperation in investment, human capital, sustainability, and regional connectivity.
- The 17th Dialogue between the Secretary-General of ASEAN and the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) was held - "Co-creating a prosperous future in a world of increasing turmoil" - Dialogue (Japanese) (LINK)
Japan-ASEAN Human Resource Development Forum
On May 16, 2025, AMEICC and AOTS, in cooperation with JETRO, BOI, EECO, and FTI, held the Japan-ASEAN HR Development Forum. The forum showcased advanced training initiatives and support programs to enhance workforce skills, promoted lean manufacturing, digital (DX) and green (GX) transformation, and strengthened productivity and sustainability across ASEAN supply chains.
- [Event Completed] May 16th (Fri) Japan-ASEAN Human Resources Development Forum (Japanese) (LINK)
Japan-Thailand Industrial Human Resource MOU
On April 29, 2025, during the 1st Japan-Thailand Energy and Industry Dialogue, AOTS, TPA, and TNI signed a tripartite MOU on industrial human resource development. Witnessed by Minister Muto, Deputy PM Pichai, Minister Ekanat, and AOTS Committee Chair Hayakawa, the agreement aims to strengthen Japan-Thailand cooperation in training, GX initiatives, and future industrial talent development.
- Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed with the Overseas Association for Technical Cooperation and Technology (AOTS), Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan) and Thai-Nichi Institute of Technology (TNI) for mutual cooperation in industrial human resource development (Japanese) (LINK)
Mekong Institute & AMEICC Sign Cooperation MOU
On August 22, 2025, the Mekong Institute (MI) and the AMEICC Secretariat signed an MOU to strengthen regional cooperation. The partnership focuses on supply chain resilience, Mekong Corridor development, co-creation projects, capacity building, and research collaboration. Both sides aim to enhance sustainable economic growth, industrial cooperation, and ASEAN-Japan ties across the Greater Mekong Subregion over the next five years.
- Mekong Institute and AMEICC Secretariat Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Boost Regional Cooperation (English) (LINK)
Minister Muto Attends Special AEM-METI Consultation
On May 20, 2025, Minister Muto attended the Special AEM-METI Consultation online. Participants discussed strengthening Japan-ASEAN economic cooperation amid global uncertainties. Minister Muto emphasized maintaining a rules-based trade system and advancing AI and next-generation vehicle industries. ASEAN countries reaffirmed support for multilateral trade and welcomed cooperation in industrial innovation. A joint media statement was issued following the meeting.
- Minister Muto Attends the Special AEM-METI Consultation (English) (LINK)
AZEC Leading Action Forum (AZEC LEAF)
From May 26–29, 2025, METI hosted the AZEC Leading Action Forum (AZEC LEAF) in Tokyo, bringing together working-level officials from AZEC partner countries, ADB, and ERIA. Participants shared national energy transition policies, decarbonization efforts in power, transport, and industry, and transition finance. Discussions focused on implementing the three initiatives from the 2nd AZEC Ministerial Meeting and promoting cooperation using Japan’s technologies.
- METI Hosts AZEC Leading Action Fo10/24/2025rum (AZEC LEAF) (English) (LINK)
Digital Readiness Assessment Tool for MSMEs
Digital transformation is a key driver of ASEAN's long-term growth. However, many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the region face challenges in effectively adopting digital tools. To address this, the ASEAN Secretariat and the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC) Secretariat, supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), are implementing a project focused on enhancing MSMEs' digital readiness across ASEAN.
The diagnostic tool is designed to provide rapid insights: the time required to complete the tool is only a few minutes. Upon completion, you will receive results on your enterprise's digital maturity and information on current support measures you can leverage. Furthermore, the data collected from your response will be instrumental in developing policies to promote the digitalization of MSMEs across ASEAN Member States.
For further reading, please visit: LINK
Editorial Note
