### 1. East Asia

East Asia consists of a variety of nations: countries such as the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Singapore, which have attained rapid economic growth and have already been shifted from aid recipients to donors; least developed countries (LDCs), such as Cambodia and Laos; countries such as China, which still has internal disparities despite its dramatic economic growth in recent years; and countries such as Viet Nam, which is in the process of transitioning from a centrally-planned economy to a market economy. Japan has close relationships with these countries in all aspects, including political, economic, and cultural dimensions. The development and stability of this region have great significance for the peace and prosperity of Japan. Under this philosophy, Japan engages in assistance activities, fully taking into account such diversity in socio-economic conditions and changes in the respective assistance needs of East Asian countries.

Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Tokunaga receiving a framed Laotian bank note and stamp designed by a Japanese ODA project, after his meeting with Minister of Public Works and Transport Sommath Pholsena of Laos (third from left)

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Japan has contributed to the remarkable economic growth in East Asia by combining ODA with trade and investments to provide infrastructure development and assistance for institutional and human resource development, to promote trade, and to vitalize private investments. Currently, Japan aims to further enhance open regional cooperation and integration based on shared basic values while also ensuring regional stability by promoting mutual understanding. For that reason, Japan has made efforts to respond to transnational problems such as natural disasters, environment and climate change, infectious diseases, and terrorism and piracy. In addition, Japan also works for the promotion of mutual understanding through large-scale youth exchanges, cultural exchanges, as well as projects that

## ● Support for Southeast Asia

The ASEAN countries have set intraregional integration as their chief goal by the year 2015. In line with this goal, Japan provides support to strengthening connectivity and reducing disparities within the region. Supporting the Mekong countries, many of which were late-joining members to ASEAN, in particular is important for reducing intraregional disseminate Japanese language education and promotion of Japan.

The impact from the global financial and economic crisis that started in 2008 has largely been overcome. But in order for Japan and Asian countries to achieve further economic prosperity it will be important to turn Asia into a center of growth open to the world. Japan thus provides assistance to reinforce Asia’s growth and to expand domestic demand in Asia. As a specific measure, in April 2009 Japan announced that it would provide a maximum of ¥2 trillion in ODA. Under this initiative, Japan provides steady assistance for such efforts as infrastructure development, support for the socially vulnerable, the establishment of low-carbon societies, and human resource development.

disparities. In November 2009, the First Mekong-Japan Summit Meeting between the heads of Japan and the Mekong region countries was held. They shared the recognition of giving priority to the following areas and of establishing A New Partnership for the Common Flourishing Future: 1) Comprehensive Development in the Mekong Region, 2) Environment, Climate Change