Jakarta, 10 January: FPCI in collaboration with Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan (METI), and the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee convene a virtual public forum as a part of the Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth (DISG). This forum discussed a new perspective about “The Next Chapter of ASEAN and Japan Economic Cooperation in the Post-pandemic Era'.

The first opening remarks by Dr. Dino Patti Djalal –Founder and Chairman of Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia,

'2022 will be a very consequential year for the region in the midst of rapid geopolitical and geoeconomic changes, but we will all be reassured that the future relations ASEAN and Japan is in good hands and will be closer and stronger as partners'. 

'I am sure there will be a lot of interest in the policy initiatives that is announce by Minister Koichi Hagiuda at the discussion today. This is a testament that no matter how you see the evolution of world affairs, Japan as one of the consequential powers in the region is here to stay'.

The second opening remarks by Prof. Hidetoshi Nishimura –President of Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, following are the statement from Prof. Hidetoshi:

'We are at a historical turning point. ASEAN, I believe, has the greatest capacity to lead such a global transition. To realise it, however, bold and significant changes are needed. It is of paramount importance to thoroughly assess ASEAN's current condition and make large-scale future-oriented investments to create a sustainable and innovative economic society'.

'Minister Hagiuda, pursuing ‘co-creation’ to grow together with Asian countries, visits ASEAN and holds conversations with Indonesia and other ASEAN Member States at this critical time. I believe it is crucial for the region's development'.

The third opening remarks by M. Arsjad Rasjid P.M. –Chair of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN). There are several points from Arsjad Rasjid from his opening remarks:

'The visit of H.E. Koichi Hagiuda, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan to Indonesia is pivotal for strengthening the bilateral relationship of Indonesia and Japan especially in the area of Trade and Investment'.

'While COVID-19 has temporarily slowed economic activity, Indonesia is expected to rise to the top five world economies during the next two or three decades. This vision has been set as the golden goal by the President of Indonesia to be a sovereign, advanced, fair, and prosperous nation by 2045'.

Indonesia, the world's fastest-growing consumer market after China and India, presents a significant opportunity for Japan to increase its trade, investment, and economic cooperation relationships'.

'And there will be a plethora of strategic investment opportunities to actualize the Golden Indonesia vision. This is where Indo-Japanese cooperation, particularly in the areas of digital transformation and energy transition, would be critical. If we want Indonesia to advance, we must, of course, invest in our human resources. Kadin believes this ambitious investment agenda aligns well with Japan’s industry capabilities.

H.E. Kōichi Hagiuda – Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan address the forum about Japan’s new initiative on ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation. This is the statement for the press from Minister Koichi from his speech:

'To actively make new future-oriented investment so that we can create together with ASEAN an innovative and sustainable economic society. This is the direction that "ASIA-Japan Investing for the Future Initiative” is seeking'. 

The forum continued with the discussion with the following speakers:

1. Prof. Fukunari Kimura – Chief Economist of Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)
2. Dr. Nuki Agya Utama - Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE)

The public discussion is aimed to discuss the next step of ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation. What would be the state of ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation during the pandemic? What are the opportunities that can be seized together? What are the challenges? How does Japanese investment in the region help the economic recovery efforts? And how do we bring cooperation to the next chapter?

Notes for Editors:
For further information please contact FPCI’s Calvin Khoe : +6289667094924 (WhatsApp)

PRESS RELEASE

Relive the event (YouTube)

Presentation of Prof Fukunari Kimura

Presentation of Dr Nuki Agya Utama

Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) of Japan’s Press Release on Japan’s New Initiative 'Asia-Japan Investing for the Future Initiative':