A Message in the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation
Contribute to the world by co-creating and expanding
the rule-based free and open market

November 14, 2023
KEIDANREN
In the half century since dialog between Japan and ASEAN commenced in 1973,
exchanges have deepened at various levels to build a multi-layered relationship offriendship and cooperation. The foundation of the strong relationship is built on the threeprinciples for Japan’s diplomatic relations with ASEAN, the so-called Fukuda Doctrine.
The doctrine calls for contributions to international peace and prosperity, building
relationships of trust based on a “heart-to-heart” understanding, and collaborating andcooperating as an equal partner. These principles are still firm signposts for Japan's
diplomatic relations with ASEAN. Japanese companies are developing a range ofbusiness activities rooted in local communities in ASEAN countries (see separate someexamples) while also putting Official Development Assistance (ODA) to use. We arewalking the path of development together with ASEAN as inseparable partners boundby strong ties.
Today, the world is facing a number of challenges on a global scale, including
delivering carbon neutrality. Even though these challenges must be addressed throughcooperation between nations and regions, the world is becoming increasingly
fragmented with a strong tendency to prioritize one’s own country. The free and open
international order based on the rule of law has also been challenged. At such a time, thequestion is how Japan can contribute to international sustainable development.
In the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation, Japan must deepen anddevelop the relationship with ASEAN based on the trust that has been built over manyyears. Through public-private dialogue between Japan and ASEAN, we will work1

closely together to implement growth strategies and related measures in each countryand region, thereby delivering a sustainable society based on co-creation. Specifically,
as described below, Japan and ASEAN will create new value and advance mutual
development by further enhancing connectivity. Together, we will also contribute tointernational peace and prosperity by resolving global issues. We will power theeconomies in Asia and around the world by co-creating and expanding a rule-based, freeand open market.

1. Facilitate human resource exchange
Over the years, Japan and ASEAN have cultivated a relationship of trust that is thecornerstone of cooperation and co-creation. We aim to further enhance dialogue andexchange programs at different levels and in different sectors, including business,government and related institutions, local governments, and educational institutions.
Providing outstanding ASEAN human resources with opportunities to work inJapanese companies is essential for the development of these companies in the future.
Promoting the development and exchange of business leaders in Japan and ASEAN willcontribute significantly to mutual development. On this basis, efforts continue tofacilitate recruitment, professional and vocational education, career development, etc.
to allow human resources to be active across national borders.
As for institutional aspects, we will urge governments to develop an environment forhuman resource exchanges, including concluding social security agreements, and to
mutually recognize the qualifications of highly skilled professionals in the future.
To facilitate mutual understanding and to increase the pool of Japanophiles who areknowledgeable about our country in the future, we will encourage travel back and forth
as well as more coordination and cooperation in the tourism sector by easing visa
requirements for visitors to Japan or by other such means.

22. Further promote the free movement of goods and services
ASEAN has stimulated market integration in the region by eliminating tariffs. Japanesecompanies have built production networks, established operational bases, andcontributed to development in the region.
As well as encouraging the steady implementation of the existing FTAs and EPAs,
including the ASEAN+1 FTA, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement forTrans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the Regional Comprehensive Economic
Partnership (RCEP) Agreement, we aim to achieve an even higher level of liberalizationand discipline with regard to both tariff concessions and rule-making with a view to thefuture Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP). We will also promote digitalizationof trade procedures, such as linking trade information on the sharing platform using
blockchain technology. In addition, we will strengthen public-private collaboration
aimed at securing stable supplies of energy, critical minerals, foodstuffs, and other goods
that are essential for people’s lives and socio-economic activities.

3. Promote digital transformation (DX)The ASEAN countries are in some way outpacing Japan in the DX sector, including
the social implementation of digital technologies where numerous start-ups arepromoting e-commerce, ride-sharing, and electronic payments. Aiming for ASEANJapan collaboration and value co-creation concerning the use of digital technologies, wewill promote efficiency and resilience in the business hub network, build new businessmodels, and realize economic development across the region. Ensuring cybersecurity
and Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT) provides the foundation for these developments.
Digital technologies are also used to improve connectivity in the financial sector.
(1) Ensure reliable and free data flow
Data Free Flow with Trust is essential for co-creating and expanding a free and openmarket. We will seek to ensure interoperability of privacy protection and otherregulations in each country.
3(2) Strengthen cybersecurity
Effective cybersecurity measures that encompass the entire supply chain areincreasingly important amid the rise in cyber risks associated with progress in DX.
Japan and ASEAN will further strengthen the relationship of trust through security
education and other human resource training and exchanges, and promote the creationof a safe and secure foundation for value creation.
(3) Strengthen connectivity in the financial sector using digital technologies
Efforts will be made to achieve a society where everyone is able to access financial
services through digital banking and other means in each country. The AEC Blueprint
2025, which presents the direction of economic integration in ASEAN, outlines theunification of national QR standards and cross-border settlement and remittance systems
in the ASEAN countries. Enhanced connectivity in the financial sector will be promotedwith a view to expanding these operations into areas outside ASEAN, including Japan,and collaborating with them.

4. Nurture new industries and contribute to solving global issues(1) Promote green transformation (GX)
Measures to counter climate change must be addressed by the whole world. To
achieve carbon neutrality on a global scale, it is important to make steady progress on
the understanding that pathways will differ depending on the actual circumstances ineach country and region. We aim to encourage use of the Joint Crediting Mechanism(JCM) by expanding partner countries and regions, and by improving support systems
to achieve the targets.
Together ASEAN and Japan will promote the concept of the Asia Zero Emission
Community (AZEC), which aims for both carbon neutrality and energy security, while
delivering economic growth through policy coordination and the proliferation oftechnologies, products, services, and systems that contribute to carbon neutrality,
including hydrogen, ammonia, CCS/CCUS, and highly efficient power grids. At the4same time, we will actively push for financing, including during transition periods,
while stimulating the green industry and contributing to GX across the whole Asianregion.
As the economy grows and populations increase, the decline in exhaustible resources
and the increase in waste represent another set of global challenges. The circular
economy will be promoted through ASEAN-Japan collaboration in waste management(reduce, reuse, recycle), and the production and procurement of sustainable raw
materials.
(2) Improve socioeconomic resilience (prevent/reduce disasters, achieve well-being)
Japan and ASEAN are highly vulnerable to the impact of intensifying natural
disasters due to climate change and other factors. To achieve a secure and prosperous
society, we will work to improve socioeconomic resilience by sharing experiences ofdisasters and providing countermeasures.
Building a society that achieves a sense of wellbeing where everyone can be at theirbest and where no one is left behind is another important issue for the stability andsustainable growth of the economic societies in Japan and ASEAN. We will use thegeographical proximity and shared cultural traits of Japan and ASEAN, and apply digitaltechnologies to a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, nursing care, sports, andfoods, which will lead to enhanced individual and social well-being in ASEAN.

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