Prof. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director of ERIA, was invited as a panelist in the Asia Leaders Business Summit 2013 which was held on September 17, 2013 in Tokyo, Japan. The Summit was hosted by Asia Leaders Association and ERIA was one of the supporters of this event.

Asia Leaders Association aims to assist the operators of new companies and small and medium-sized companies in Japan and the other countries of Asia to cooperate mutually on the various issues faced by each, to grow, and to expand in Asia, and in the global economy. The Summit brought together 3,000 business people (announced by organizer) who are actively operating in Asia region and provided them opportunities for business and networking.

In the keynote dialogue session one, H.E. Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and Mr. Hideo Sawada, Chairman of Asia Business Association discussed Japan's growth strategy.

Prof. Nishimura made a presentation entitled "New Era of Asia: Potential Power of ASEAN and East Asia" at the keynote dialogue session two. Prof. Nishimura explained on the development of international production networks in East Asia which is unrivalled by any other region and gave his insight into the potential growth of ASEAN and East Asia region. He also highlighted the role of private sector which is the key motor of the sustained high and equitable growth in ASEAN and East Asia to create attractive business and investment environments for business. In concluding, he added that it is necessary to further strengthen growth mechanism which promotes the growth of Asia and Japan would continue to grow in that in order for the East Asia and Japan will build a foundation for growth and long-term.