Greetings from DISG Secretariat
Dear Readers,
I am Kuremura, Chair of the DISG. The 32nd AEM-METI (Japan-ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting) was held on September 20, 2026.
Economic ministers from ASEAN member states, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, I as DISG Chair, Mr. Tamura, Secretary General of AMEICC, and Mr. Watanabe, President of ERIA, all participated in the meeting, where lively discussions took place. On behalf of Japan, amid an increasingly uncertain global economic environment—including the situation in the Strait of Hormuz—I proposed the following three initiatives to strengthen economic and energy resilience through the implementation of “POWERR Asia,” as advocated by Prime Minister Takaichi, and received support from the ASEAN member states.
- Realizing economic resilience and industrial advancement through Japan-ASEAN cooperation: In particular, a concrete agreement was reached to launch a public-private roundtable to discuss policies aimed at developing and disseminating biofuels that contribute to energy and supply chain resilience.
- Strengthening energy supply systems and promoting the circular economy for critical minerals.
- Establishing rules to ensure a predictable and reliable business environment. Specifically, an agreement was reached to begin joint research aimed at upgrading the Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (AJCEP). In that context, I called for consideration of supply chain resilience, particularly regarding the stable supply of critical minerals and energy.
Following Minister Akazawa’s presentation, as Chair of the DISG—which offers policy recommendations from both public and private sector perspectives—I submitted the policy recommendations compiled with DISG members in Bangkok in July. Based on those recommendations, I spoke on the following five points:
- The guiding principle of the global economy is currently shifting from efficiency to resilience.
- Amid these geopolitical changes, ASEAN needs ASEAN-wide cooperation more than ever, from the perspective of strengthening markets and supply capacity.
- Reliable partners are essential for strengthening supply chains and advancing industrial development.
- Japan has consistently invested heavily in ASEAN, contributing to the economies and employment of each country, and will continue to be a “TRUSTED” partner to ASEAN both now and in the future.
- Comprehensive progress across supply chain resilience, economic security cooperation, innovation, the energy transition, and investment in people.
I proposed that Japan and ASEAN cooperate to simultaneously advance and realize these five areas as part of an “ASEAN Economic Resilience Package,” and this received strong support from all member countries. Moving forward, based on the recommendations we have compiled together, we will put the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Resilience Plan” into action.
Best regards,
Masuo Kuremura
DISG Task Force Chair
Executive Director, JETRO Singapore
Special Advisor to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry
Parliamentary Vice-Minister Komori Visits Malaysia
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Komori visited Malaysia from August 25 to 28, 2026, and engaged in a wide range of discussions with senior Malaysian government officials on energy transition, green transformation (GX), industrial cooperation, investment, critical minerals, and Japanese food export expansion.
● High-Level Consultations on Green Transformation & Industry: Discussed automotive cooperation, data center investments, and GX with Minister Johari (MITI).
● Critical Minerals & JCM Acceleration: Agreed with Deputy Minister Syed Ibrahim (NRES) to enhance critical mineral supply chains and accelerate signing the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM) MoC.
● AZEC & POWERR Asia Cooperation: Confirmed strengthening AZEC under POWERR Asia with Deputy Sec-Gen Nor Azmi ahead of the October Ministerial Meeting, welcoming progress on CCS.
● Food Export Promotion: Promoted Japanese tea under the 10,000 Exporters Program, held sessions with JETRO KL and local business reps, and inspected retail/restaurant hubs.
- Mr. Komori, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, visited Malaysia on an official trip (Japanese) (LINK)
Courtesy Call on State Minister Kunimitsu by Incoming Malaysian Ambassador Rozian
On September 2, 2026, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu received a courtesy call from incoming Ambassador-designate of Malaysia to Japan Ahmad Rozian and held a bilateral meeting for approximately 20 minutes.
● Welcoming Appointment & Summit Follow-Up: Followed up on the June Prime Ministerial summit and committed to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership across security, economy, and human exchanges.
● Preparation for 70th Diplomatic Anniversary: Confirmed close bilateral collaboration toward celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.
- Courtesy Call on State Minister for Foreign Affairs KUNIMITSU by H.E. Dato’ Ahmad Rozian, Ambassador-Designate of Malaysia to Japan (English) (LINK)
State Minister Kunimitsu Attends Singapore National Day Reception
On September 2, 2026, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu attended the Singapore National Day Reception hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Tokyo.
● Commemorating Milestones: Celebrated Singapore's 61st National Day and the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, honoring Singapore as a key regional partner for free trade and the rule of law.
● Digital & Energy Partnership: Welcomed concrete progress in digital and energy collaboration following the elevation to a "Strategic Partnership," looking forward to Singapore's 2027 ASEAN Chairmanship.
- State Minister for Foreign Affairs KUNIMITSU's Attendance at the “Singapore National Day Reception” (English) (LINK)
State Minister Kunimitsu Hosts Dinner for Cambodian Minister Ngorn Saing
On September 3, 2026, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ayano Kunimitsu hosted a dinner for Ngorn Saing, Minister of the Office of the Council of Ministers of Cambodia and Deputy Head of the Secretariat of the Anti-Online Scam Commission, during his visit to Japan, exchanging views on bilateral cooperation.
● Bilateral Ties & Development Gratitude: Welcomed Minister Ngorn Saing (Deputy Head of the Anti-Online Scam Secretariat) and reaffirmed the commitment to advance bilateral relations.
● Joint Countermeasures Against Online Scams: Exchanged views on regional security and agreed to strengthen coordination against cross-border online fraud under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
- Dinner between State Minister for Foreign Affairs KUNIMITSU Ayano and Mr. AN Sokkhoeurn, Secretary of State of the Office of the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom of Cambodia (English) (LINK)
Editorial Note
