High-level talks in Jakarta advance cooperation on supply chain resilience, green growth and digital transformation under the ASEAN–Japan partnership.
JAKARTA — The Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr Kao Kim Hourn, and the Chairman of the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA), Mr Wakabayashi Koichi, convened the 17th annual dialogue at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta.
The meeting brought together senior representatives from the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japanese Government, and key members of Japanese chambers across ASEAN. The discussions centred on strengthening resilient supply chains, promoting the green economy and sustainability, and embracing the digital economy and emerging technologies — all priority areas under the ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In his opening remarks, Dr Kao congratulated Mr Wakabayashi on his new role as Chairman of the FJCCIA and expressed deep appreciation for the Federation’s commitment to closer economic cooperation between ASEAN and Japan.
Highlighting the significance of Japan as ASEAN’s fourth-largest trading partner and fifth-largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Dr Kao noted that bilateral trade now exceeds US$236 billion, while FDI flows stand at over US$17 billion. He emphasised that the recent upgrade of ASEAN–Japan relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024 underscores the shared commitment to peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.
Dr Kao pointed to the “Future Design and Action Plan of an Innovative Sustainable ASEAN–Japan Economic Partnership 2023–2033” as a roadmap for collaboration in key sectors, including clean energy, next-generation automotive technologies, digital transformation, semiconductors, and responsible AI. He also shared updates on the planned ASEAN Power Grid as part of the region’s commitment to sustainable development.
In light of global trade uncertainties and geopolitical challenges, Dr Kao reaffirmed ASEAN and Japan’s commitment to transparent and rules-based trade under the ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). He noted that this robust framework provides vital market access, tariff reductions and supply chain diversification opportunities for businesses in both regions.
Representing thousands of Japanese companies operating across Southeast Asia, the FJCCIA plays a vital role in channelling business perspectives and supporting joint efforts to advance integration, innovation and sustainable growth.
Dr Kao concluded by calling for continued public–private dialogue to align strategic economic goals and deliver tangible benefits to businesses and communities across ASEAN and Japan.
Source: ASEAN
