The AJC is an intergovemental organization, independent from the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia. While the ASEAN Secretariat was established at the ASEAN Summit in 1976, the ASEAN-Japan Centre was established by an agreement between governments of ASEAN Member States and Japan in 1981, aiming at promoting trade, investment and tourism between ASEAN and Japan. The AJC has developed cooperative relationship with the ASEAN Secretariat in broader areas while maintaining close contact with each Member State through their government.