President of the Ehime Bank, Ltd., Mr. Kojiro Nakayama and delegation members from the Ehime Bank, Ltd. and heads of private enterprises in Ehime Prefecture (Japan) called on ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura on March 5th , 2010.

 

The visit to the ERIA Annex Office by the president of Japanese regional bank was his first.
Mr. Nishimura explained the outline of ERIA first and then they had exchange of views on ASEAN and global developments, especially about the economic success of China.
During the discussion, Mr. Nishimura said “Each ASEAN country should learn from history of China, namely from its economic success.”
Toward establishing the ASEAN Economic Community by 2015, the progress in community building in East Asia and the vital role of Japanese small and medium enterprises was also underscored.

Both Mr. Nakayama and Mr. Nishimura have reaffirmed the cooperation to enhance future activities. The vision of both sides were very much intertwined.

The Joint Workshop for ERIA Energy Projects was held in Sultan Hotel on March 3rd, 2010.
More than one hundred participants from Indonesia and overseas attended the workshop.

 

Three ERIA’s Energy Working Group, namely, Energy Saving Potential, Biodiesel Standardization and Biomass Sustainability, and two sub-working groups presented their progress and research findings.

 

ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, together with Senior Officer of Energy Department of ASEAN Secretariat, Mr. Ky-Anh Nguyen and Head of Data and Information Center, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR), Ms. Farida Zed, delivered opening remarks.

 

According to Mr. Nishimura, ERIA’s contribution in the field of energy related research work has been appreciated by the Energy Ministers in the past two EAS EMM (Energy Ministers Meeting). At the second Energy Ministers Meeting held in 2008 at Bangkok, Thailand, the Energy Ministers welcomed ERIA’s work on “EAS Energy Outlook”, endorsed the ‘Asia Biomass Energy Principles’, and welcomed ‘EAS-ERIA Bio-Diesel Fuel (BDF) Standards’. At the 3rd Energy Ministers Meeting held in 2009 at Mandalay, Myanmar, the Energy Ministers appreciated the series of studies conducted by ERIA on EAS Energy Outlook and noted the policy recommendations made in the Outlook.

 

ERIA’s energy studies have also been highly appreciated by the EAS Economic Ministers in their 2008 and 2009 meetings. In particular, in the 2008 Singapore EAS Economic Ministers Meeting, Economic Ministers expressed their interests in the ERIA Energy Outlook which demonstrates the importance of enhancing energy efficiency for sustainable development. The Ministers agreed to report the outcome of ERIA’s activities to the EAS Leaders.

Mr. Nishimura also mentioned that besides the three projects mentioned above, from this fiscal year, ERIA has undertaken another energy project under East Asia Summit Energy Cooperation Taskforce (EAS ECTF), namely, Energy Market Integration.

ASEAN Secretariat and the MEMR of Indonesia expressed their support and appreciation of ERIA’s energy studies and policy implications.

 

 

The 3rd Working Group on “Analysis of Energy Saving Potential in East Asia Region” gathered at ERIA Annex Office from 1 to 2 March, 2010.

 

10 countries from ASEAN region participated in the workshop.
At the workshop, they checked the result of Energy Outlook of each EAS countries carefully and distilled policy recommendations based on the results found.
As for the Policy recommendation, it came to the conclusion that the following 3 points are vital.
-Estimating Energy Saving Potential from each sector
-Setting Energy Saving Goals
-Evaluation of Goals

 

Collecting data and establishing a monitoring system are important to carry them (3 points above) into practice.
The results of Energy outlook from each EAS countries were finalized except for some countries.

 

 

In order to publish the progress of ERIA’s research activities as quickly as possible, discussion papers will be posted on our website.
The following discussion papers were updated this time.

 

2010-01

Spatial Architecture of the Production Networks in Southeast Asia

 

2010-02

Search-theoretic Approach to Securing New Suppliers:
Impacts of Geographic Proximity for Importer and Non-importer

 

2010-03

Innovation in Linked and Non-linked Firms:
Effects of Variety of Linkages in East Asia

 

2010-04

The Impacts of Face-to-face and Frequent Interactions on Innovation:
Upstream-Downstream Relations

Vice President, International Affairs Innovation Promotion of AIST (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology), Mr. Masakazu Yamazaki and some delegation members called on ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, at ERIA Annex Office on March 1st , 2010.

 

During their meeting, Mr. Nishimura and Mr. Yamazaki had a wide-ranging exchange of views on ERIA Energy Project including Biofuel production, standardization, and sustainability assessment. Two ERIA Energy Project, “Standardization of Biodiesel Fuel for Vehicles in East Asia” and “Sustainable Biomass Utilization Vision in East Asia” were led by AIST.
Mr. Yamazaki briefed Mr. Nishimura on AIST Biomass-Asia Strategy Project and also pointed out that JST-JICA Joint Project of “Innovation on production and auto-motive utilization of biofuels from non-food biomass” (FY2009-FY2013).

 

Mr. Nishimura highlighted the recent developments of ERIA, including about the 16th AEM Retreat held on February 28, 2010 in Malaysia.

 

To realize Sustainable Development and Energy Security in East Asia, collective efforts in intensifying the search for new and renewable energy resources and technologies, including research and development in biofuel was underscored.
They affirmed further cooperation with each other.

 

 

The 2nd Workshop on "Linkages between Real and Financial Aspects of Economic Integration in East Asia” was held at Intercontinental Hotel, Singapore from February 28 to March 1st with 20 project members from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.
In the workshop, Professor Shujiro Urata, Senior Research Advisor to Executive Director of ERIA (Project Supervisor) delivered opening remarks.

 

A number of new studies of the costs and benefits of economic integration have been prompted, particularly during the mid of global financial crisis in year 2007 and 2008. However, few of these appear to take into account the interaction between the real and financial sectors.
The aim of this project is to start closing this gap by preparing a series of papers that apply to various dimensions of the connections between the real and financial economies, and to comment on the implications for the design of policy regimes, with implications for regional economic cooperation.

 

Based on the understanding of the needs, a meaningful and effective discussion was conducted in the workshop. The findings and implications will be compiled in the final report with the purpose of crafting a set of policy recommendations in key policy areas to promote economic integration and macro economy stabilization in East Asia. The final report will be submitted by the end of March 2010.

ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura and some ERIA researchers attended the 16th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat in Putrajaya, Malaysia, February 28, 2010.
The Retreat, which attended by ASEAN Economic Ministers, among others discussed mechanisms to enhance existing cooperation in trade and investment, and initiatives to strengthen economic integration within the region. The Ministers also reviewed the ASEAN integration process in order to ensure that it was on track towards realizing the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by 2015.

 

The outcome of the discussions will be conveyed to senior officials to follow up with clear measures for endorsement at the formal AEM Meeting scheduled to be held in Vietnam in August.

 

ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura made a report on “Implementation Strategy for the ERIA Study to Further Improve the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Scorecard”. The Implementation Strategy is a response to the request made by the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEMs) during their 41st meeting in Bangkok. It proposes that ERIA conducts a study to further improve the review process of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint implementation.

 

The Study aims at providing a substantive analysis and independent review of the AEC Blueprint implementation. It complements the official report made by the ASEAN Secretariat on the implementation of the Blueprint (i.e., the ASEAN Scorecard). The complementation of ASEC AEC Scorecard and the ERIA’s Study strengthens and improves the monitoring of the Blueprint’s implementation.

 

The Ministers recognized and welcomed ERIA’s efforts for the study. The Ministers and the Secretary General of the ASEAN, Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, voiced their strong support for the implementation of the ERIA Study.

 

 

The 2nd Workshop on “Social Protection in East Asia - Current Stage and Challenges” was held at ERIA Annex Office from 26 to 27 February, 2010 with around 22 participants from 13 countries in the region.

 

This Working Group, under the leadership of Professor Mukul Asher from National University of Singapore, will contribute to a region-wide research project on social protection focusing on the current status and challenges for each participating country.
The objective of the research is to look at Coverage, Adequacy of benefits, Governance and Management issues surrounding the current social protection system in the region and reform initiatives.

 

ERIA Chief Economist, Professor Fukunari Kimura, delivered the opening remarks, stressing that “this research is an initial step taken by ERIA to provide better understanding on the current social protection in the region and expect high quality research findings that can be used as inputs for policy makers in the region”.

 

The objective of the workshop is not only to advance understanding on the research questions but also providing an interchange, research networking building, and peer reviewing process for experts in the region. The final report of this Working Group will be submitted by the end of March 2010.

Team of ASEAN journalists visited ERIA Annex Office on February 25, 2010.
This visit is important for ASEC's outreach as ERIA is a partner of ASEC.
ERIA Senior Communications Advisor, Mr. Kavi Chongkittavorn made a presentation on the Introduction and Briefing on the outline of ASEAN/ERIA and its activities. He proceeded the introduction with a free discussion on the same topic. ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura was interviewed from the journalists soon after the Office Tour ushered by General Manager of ERIA, Mr. Daiki Kasugahara. In the interview, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura emphasized about ERIA’s role, saying, “Most important task is how to support ASEAN to realize ASEAN Economic Community(AEC). ERIA must make effort to completion of AEC Blueprint.”

EAMS (East Asia Expert Meeting on Manufacturing Statistics) Workshop was held at ERIA Annex Office on February 22, 2010.
Member countries attended this workshop were Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

EAMS is a meeting of experts on manufacturing industry statistics from ASEAN+3 member countries.
The outcome achieved over the past five years is the improvement of manufacturing statistics (four-digit level) enabling international comparability at this level for East Asia (ASEAN+3). The EAMS began by launching the development of EAMIC (East Asia Common Manufacturing Statistics) that were conscious of regional harmonization.

This workshop was held with the primary aim of confirming the state of preparation for the provision of 13 items of data in line with EAMIC ver.1.0. Each country reported on their current situation while presenting the data collected at the present stage.
It was confirmed that the participating countries are proceeding smoothly towards the December 2010 deadline for submission.

The Rapid growth of the East Asian economy leads to an increase in proportion of the global market share, particularly the manufacturing sector. Active trade activities within Asia in the manufacturing industries has created an increasing close interdependent relationships between the East Asian countries, therefore, a regional database is needed.
Based on the understanding of the needs, the meaningful discussion was conducted in the workshop.

ERIA-CLM Capacity Building Workshop was held at ERIA Annex Office on February 22, 2010. Around 17 participants from Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia and Japan attended this workshop.

 

CLM Capacity Building Project was initiated under EAMS (East Asia Expert Meeting on Manufacturing Statistics) and subsequently undertaken as ERIA project. The objectives of this project is to provide technical assistance and guidance to the national statistical staffs in the development of their respective National Standard Industrial Classification. (Manufacturing Sector)

 

In the Workshop, CLM member countries shared with their difficulties and solutions including discussion with the related Ministries. Guest speakers and experts presented their experiences and international standard respectively.
Sharing each experience and lectures would be useful for member countries to finalize each classification.

The 2nd workshop on “Tracing the Progress toward the ASEAN Economic Community” was held on February 22, 2010 at ERIA Annex Office.
Around 20 participants as research and country study members from research institute participated in the workshop.

This Working Group has developed quantitative measures on the restrictions on trade in services, trade facilitation and FDI policy, in order to complement the AEC Scorecards being developed by the ASEAN Secretariat. Based on questionnaire surveys in cooperation with country study members from research institutes of 10 ASEAN countries, scorecards on liberalization of service trade and FDI environment has analyzed and prepared by research members. Besides, estimation of trade cost between ASEAN countries and major trading partners by commodity trade statistics has conducted in order to draw another aspect of liberalization of trade on goods. In this workshop, the results of investigations of each study were presented and discussed. Research members and country study members conducted active discussions on each session to exchange ideas and information in order to make rigorous indexes and improve each paper. Based on the research and discussion at this workshop, the final report including policy implications toward ASEAN Economic Community will be submitted by March 31, 2010.

ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura delivered the opening remarks, saying “This research result of the Working Group, namely the AEC/ERIA Scorecards, is based on countless efforts by research specialists from each countries and high-quality academic analysis”.
Therefore, he strongly feel that the results of this Research Working Group could serve as a monitor toward the realization of the ASEAN Economic Community.

Professor of Graduate School of Public Policy, the University of Tokyo, Mr. Ryozo Hayashi visited ERIA Annex Office on February 21, 2010.
ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura briefly described the process of the establishment of ERIA which was approved at the 3rd East Asia Summit held on November 2007. In particular, he explained ERIA’s activities in the last two years.

The First Expert Group Meeting on a Collaboration Project between the ASEAN Secretariat and ERIA “ASEAN Strategic Transport Plan 2011-2015” was held on February 9-10, 2010 at ERIA Annex Office.

Representatives from ASEAN member states (Ministry of Transport), ASEAN Secretariat, Academic Consultants, and Consulting Firm participated in the meeting.

An efficient, secure and integrated transport network in ASEAN is vital for supporting the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community. In fulfilling its role, the ASEAN Transport sector undertaking is guided by the ASEAN Transport Action Plan (ATAP) 2005-2010 that covers maritime, land, air and transport facilitation. ATAP will expire in 2010. In anticipating this, a successor of the ASEAN transport plan will need to be prepared through the ASEAN Strategic Transport Plan (ASTP) 2011-2015, which will act as the main reference for ASEAN Transport Cooperation to support the establishment of the ASEAN Community in 2015.

In the view of the concept of the ASEAN Connectivity, ASEAN has the potential to physically anchor itself as the transportation hub of the East Asia and it is vital to complete the physical road, rail, air, and sea linkages within ASEAN.
ERIA made an inception report of this collaboration project between ASEAN Secretariat and ERIA at the 28th Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) on December 8, 2009 in Hanoi.
*Joint Ministerial Statement of the 15th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting - December 10, 2009.
http://www.aseansec.org/24102.htm
(ERIA was mentioned in paragraph 3)
 
A meaningful discussion has been conducted to reaffirm the process of this project in the meeting.
According to the current schedule, Midterm Report will be done by April 30, 2010 and the Final Report will be prepared by September 30, 2010.
ERIA launch the activities with ASEAN secretariat and work together ASEAN member states, Researchers, Private Companies, under the close relationship with the related initiatives.

Mr. Hiroaki Ishii, Executive Vice President of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization) and some delegation members visited ERIA Annex Office on February 5, 2010.

ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura explained about the outline of recent development of ERIA. ERIA Economist, Mr. So Umezaki explained the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan which is one of ERIA research projects.

They had a productive exchange of views over the significance of Infrastructure and Plant business, and discussed especially about future issues of PPP (Public-Private Partnership).

Informal “Brown Bag Lunch Meeting was held on February 3rd , 2010 at ERIA Annex Office, 5th floor.

Speaker was a visiting fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge University, Mr. Mitsuhiro Maeda. ERIA Chief Economist, Dr. Fukunari Kimura acted as a moderator.

The theme of the meeting was “The Post-ODA Developmental Finance-the Empowered Citizen’s Initiative and a New Type of Public-Private Partnership.

The World Bank estimates the annual demand for infrastructure construction (including maintenance and operation) in East Asia from 2005 to 2010 at more than $200 billion. But the total volume of ODA is far below to meet the demand. DAC countries (22 countries) total ODA (2008) was $119.6 billion. Japan is constantly and significantly decreasing ODA budget year by year in 21st Century. What will be an adequate Japan’s developmental finance scheme to meet huge demand of developing countries infrastructure building?

Mr. Maeda emphasized the importance of PPP (Public-Private Partnership). He explained the two kinds of PPP. One is PPP1.0. It is defined as the collaboration between nation state governments and industrial enterprises. Another one is PPP2.0. It is defined as the collaboration among nation state governments, industrial enterprises and empowered citizens. The key point is empowered citizens. A basic scheme of PPP2.0 is providing viability gap finance by nation state governments, including ODA by donor nations. Empowered citizens would buy bonds and invest in equity by themselves or through funds. Furthermore, Empowered citizens would make various types of campaign on bond investments and equity investments through information networks=playing an active role.

He divided PPP2.0 into two types, PPP2.0-1.0 and PPP2.0-2.0.  PPP2.0-1.0 is simple type of revenue bonds. (Investors request only economic returns). PPP2.0-2.0 is revenue bonds (Investors request economic returns and ‘conviviality’). In case ‘conviviality’ is high, economic returns could be concessional to some extent. He said “PPP2.0-2.0 is a supreme idea.”

ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura said “PPP will become bigger concept in the near future. In that sense, his methodology is very challenging.”

[ 20100202 The Empowered Citizen's Initiative and a New Type of Public-Private Partnership ]

The second meeting of the Research Institute Network (RIN) of ERIA, consisting from 16 countries, was convened in Bangkok on January 29, 2010.
The agenda of the meeting was essentially a review of ERIA research.
[ Minutes of the RIN meeting ]

Joint secretary of MER (Multilateral Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs of India, Mr. Vinod Kumar visited ERIA Annex Office on February 12, 2010.
ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura mentioned the important role of India’s support to ASEAN and emphasized the significance of ERIA’s role as a part of ASEAN.
Mr. Vinod Kumar noted the Mekong-India Economic Corridor Development, which is under East Asia Industrial Corridor(EAIC) umbrella project. (The ASEAN+6 has mandated ERIA to develop the concept of an EAIC as the model project for integration of East Asia.)

ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura called on H.E. Mr. Anand Sharma, Commerce and Industry Minister, government of India in New Delhi on January 25, 2010.
On that day, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura met Commerce secretary, Ministry of commerce, government of India, H.E. Mr. Rahul Khullar in New Delhi. (Right)


ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura and ERIA Chief Economist, Dr.Fukunari Kimura participated in the Delhi DialogueⅡ in New Delhi, India on January 21-22, 2010. The theme of the dialogue was “ India and South East Asia in the
changing regional Economic Dynamics of Asia, shared interests and concerns.” During the occasion, Mr. Nishimura met the External Affairs Minister of India,
H.E. Mr.S.M. Krishna.


ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura met with member of Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam, H.E. Mr. Truong Tan Sang on January 19, 2010.
There was an exchange of views on the development strategy of Vietnam.
ERIA proposed to provide policy recommendations in the future. H.E. Mr. Truong Tan Sang noted ERIA’s plan.


ASEAN Foreign Ministers and ERIA officials were invited for the road trip from Thailand to Da Nang, Vietnam, via Savannakhet, the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, to get first hand information on developments along the Route 9.
Mr. Nishimura made a presentation on the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP) and its Implications for the East- West Economic Corridor to the Ministers during the journey.


Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry in Japan, H.E. Mr. Masayuki Naoshima visited ERIA annex office on January 11th, 2010.
ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura explained about the progress of ERIA. ERIA Chief Economist, Dr. Fukunari Kimura explained about ERIA Research Activities, particularly on the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan.


A delegation led by the chairman of Japan Business Federation, Mr. Fujio Mitarai visited ERIA Annex Office on January 11th, 2010.
ERIA Executive Director, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura outlined the recent development of ERIA, especially about the comprehensive Asia Development Plan which is one of ERIA Research Activities.

International Symposium on East Asia Beyond the Global Economic Crisis was held on 1 December 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. The symposium was co-organized by ERIA and the Institute of Developing Economies, Japan External Trade Organizations (IDE-JETRO).

In the opening address, Prime Minister of Japan, H.E.Dr. Hatoyama expressed his strong hope that ERIA would make a great contribution toward East Asian Community with the strong leadership of H.E.Dr. Surin Pitsuwan.
[ Opening Address of H.E.Dr. Yukio Hatoyama ]

Further recognition of ERIA’s research in the East Asia region has come from Australia in the 21st annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministerial Meeting in Singapore on 13th November 2009.

The Australian Trade Minister Mr Simon Crean announced at the APEC Ministerial Meeting that Australia will contribute Aus $ 1 million to ERIA to strengthen research on regional economic integration. The funding will focus on the ERIA’s research into important structural reforms needed to rebalance Asia’s growth away from exports and towards domestic demand.

The extra funding from Australia will also be used to support research into the regional benefits of the convergence of ASEAN’s Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with Australia and New Zealand, China, India, Japan and Korea.

ERIA deeply acknowledges this contribution and renews its commitment to quality research work and policy recommendations for the narrowing of development gaps and economic integration in the region.

The 15th ASEAN Summit and the 4th East Asia Summit (EAS) meetings were held in Cha-am Hua Hin, Thailand on 23-25 October 2009. This ASEAN Summit was devoted to the theme of ‘Enhancing Connectivity, Empowering People’.

The ASEAN Summit and the EAS were very fruitful for ERIA as the participants to both the events recognised the role of ERIA in the economic integration of East Asia. The Chairman of the 15th ASEAN Summit mentioned in his statement that:

11.	We also recognised that ASEAN connectivity required the connecting of the hearts and minds of ASEAN peoples across the region, through closer people-to-people ties, cooperation in education and capacity-building efforts. We welcomed the adoption of our Statement on ASEAN Connectivity which called for the establishment of an ASEAN High Level Task Force (HLTF) to work with the ASEAN Secretariat, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the UN ESCAP and other relevant organizations to develop an ASEAN Master Plan on regional connectivity and report recommendations in this regard to the 17th ASEAN Summit. We therefore tasked the Secretary-General of ASEAN to develop the Terms of Reference for the ASEAN HLTF on Connectivity as soon as possible.  The Chairman of the 4th East Asia Summit mentioned that:
18.	We received a Statement from the Economic Research Institute from ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) Governing Board Meeting. We appreciated the ERIA’s contribution to regional cooperation, by providing useful research and practical policy recommendations. We encouraged ERIA to work with the ADB and the ASEAN Secretariat to accelerate the completion of a “Comprehensive Asia Development Plan” in order to enhance the connectivity of the region. The ASEAN leaders statement on ASEAN’s Connectivity declared setting up of an ASEAN High Level Task Force comprising relevant experts, including ERIA, to develop an ASEAN Master Plan on regional connectivity.
8.	An ASEAN High Level Task Force, comprising relevant experts, supported by the ASEAN Secretariat and relevant sectoral bodies, in cooperation with relevant international organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), to study ASEAN’s internal and external connectivity, and to develop an ASEAN Master Plan on regional connectivity, that include, among others, innovative infrastructure financing mechanisms, taking into account the work done and planned to ensure optimum synergy rather than duplication of work. In devising the Master Plan, the Task Force should ensure that the limited resources from ASEAN, Dialogue Partners and International Development Banks and Agencies are employed in the most efficient and effective manner to realise our vision. The ASEAN High Level Task Force should consult with the APSC Council, the AEC Council and the ASCC Council before submitting their recommendations to the 17th ASEAN Summit in 2010 through the ASEAN Coordinating Council. 　  The BIMP-EAGA Summit in its joint statement recognized ERIA’s work.
9.	We commended our Senior Officials for the signing of the Framework of Economic Cooperation with China and look forward to mutually beneficial engagements, particularly between our private sectors. We noted with encouragement and great appreciation the increased involvement of Japan in the subregion’s development. We look forward to the early conclusion of a framework of cooperation with Japan to formalize its status as a development partner of BIMP-EAGA. We also welcomed the support of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) for the preparation of a coherent master plan to coordinate and expand subregional initiatives in East Asia. We endorsed the decision of our Ministers to elevate our engagement with our Development Partners to Ministerial level. India Contributes 1 million US Dollar to ERIA. In a very significant recognition of ERIA’s research in the East Asia region, the Prime Minister of India announced in his statement at the 4th East Asia Summit a contribution of 1 million US $ from India to ERIA. ‘The proposals generated by the Economic Research Institute of ASEAN and East Asia [ERIA] to develop a blueprint for financial and economic integration of the EAS region, especially in the area of infrastructure development and connectivity, are promising, and deserve our encouragement. India would be happy to contribute 1 million US dollars over a period of ten years for enlarging the activities of ERIA.’ Various Head of the Governments expressed their support for ERIA. Several Head of Governments such as Cambodia, China, Japan and Thailand in their statements to the EAS underlined the work done by ERIA in the region.

The 2nd meeting of ERIA Governing Board was held at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on October 5rd 2009. In the Meeting, ERIA GB Members reiterated their common resolve to realize an East Asia community as a long-term goal that would contribute to the maintenance of regional and global peace and security, prosperity and progress.

[ Statement of ERIA Governing Board ]

Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Murray McCully visited ERIA Annex on June 26, 2009 and declared historical contribution of NZD 100,000 to ERIA. The contribution from New Zealand will be used for specific research projects aimed at enhancing regional cooperation.