Vietnam appreciates Japan's new initiatives to boost co-operation with ASEAN

The meeting was co-chaired by Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Chiba Akira and Thai Ambassador Urawadee Sriphiromya, with Thailand currently co-ordinating ASEAN-Japan relations.

Speaking at the meeting, both chairpersons acknowledged the country’s contributions as the co-ordinator of the bloc’s relations with Japan during the 2018 to 2021 period. The Thai Ambassador gave a special thanks to the Vietnamese Delegation to ASEAN for carefully handing over the role to Thailand after the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting held back in August, 2021.

Ambassador Chiba used the platform to affirm Japan's consistent support for ASEAN's central role in the region and said that the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) will give priority to projects in line with spirit of the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP), whilst paying greater attention to projects that benefit all ASEAN member states.

ASEAN members were highly appreciative of Japan's contributions over recent times, especially its efforts to support the regional bloc in responding to COVID-19. The bloc therefore hopes that the two sides will strive to enhance co-operation in sustainable development, climate change adaptation, and smart city development.

At present, Japan remains ASEAN's third largest foreign investor, with investment capital in 2020 totaling US$8.5 billion, accounting for 6.2% of total foreign investment in the bloc.

During the meeting, both sides discussed a range of initiatives aimed at preparing for the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan relations in 2023, including a plan to organize a contest to create logos and slogans for the anniversary.
In his speech at the meeting, Ambassador Bang welcomed Japan's new initiatives to bolster co-operation with ASEAN, such as priority being given to innovative and sustainable growth, the Asian Energy Transformation Initiative (AETI), and most recently the "Asia-Japan Investment for the Future" initiative.

The Vietnamese diplomat also emphasized that the ASEAN-Japan Climate Change Action Agenda 2.0 and AETI will be an effective complement to the Climate Change Strategy and Action Program for the 2021 to 2030 period of ASEAN. This will thereby contribute to helping the regional grouping fulfill its commitments on combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions.

The nation also wishes to participate and contribute to meaningful activities in 2023, with the occasion serving as the "double anniversary" of the 50th anniversary of Japanese ties with both ASEAN and Vietnam, Ambassador, Bang added.