Summary of "Closing Session"

The closing session of the Japan-ASEAN Economic Co-Creation Forum 2024 featured remarks from key representatives highlighting the importance of continued cooperation between Japan and ASEAN to achieve sustainable economic growth, peace, and stability amid global geopolitical uncertainties.

Key points from the session include:

Economic Growth and Cooperation: Japan and ASEAN have historically achieved economic growth through free trade. Given the dynamic geopolitical environment, there is a renewed call for deeper collaboration to promote just, free, and sustainable development.
Sustainability and Decarbonization: Efforts such as the ASAC zero-emission community aim to achieve carbon neutrality tailored to each country. Discussions emphasized balancing increasing electricity demand with CO2 reduction, leveraging technologies like AI, CCS, hydrogen, and ammonia, and promoting green financing.
Digital Economy and AI: The expansion of AI and digital technologies was recognized as a critical area for cooperation. Concrete projects, including large language model (LLM) development sensitive to cultural contexts, were highlighted as priorities.
Women Entrepreneurs and Inclusiveness: The forum underscored the importance of inclusiveness, particularly the active participation of women entrepreneurs in the digital economy. Upcoming events like the Japan-ASEAN Women Entrepreneur Summit aim to strengthen connections and foster business implementation.
Next Generation Industries: Sessions covered next-generation vehicles, digital transformation, and green transformation. Topics included EV infrastructure, biofuels, fuel cells, and transition finance models to turn decarbonization challenges into business opportunities.
Multilateral and Multi-layered Exchange: The forum stressed the need for ongoing multilateral dialogue to understand cultural and business diversity within ASEAN and Japan, fostering partnerships based on common goals and differences.
Role of Organizations: Entities like JETRO facilitate trade promotion, startup collaboration, and business matching, particularly in decarbonization and automotive sectors, supporting innovation and industry transformation in ASEAN.
Geopolitical Context: The speakers acknowledged rising global tensions (Middle East conflicts, Ukraine invasion, US-China competition) that make the Japan-ASEAN bond more valuable for regional peace and stability.

The session concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen Japan-ASEAN relations, promote sustainable economic co-creation, and support next-generation leaders and industries for the future.

Presenters/Contributors:

Mr. Nori Hara, Vice Chair of the Board of Counselors, Chair of Committee on Asia and Oceania (Kanden)
Mr. Kuno Hiri, Secretary General, ASEAN Japan Center
Mr. Imay, Chairman, Japan Asia Relations Committee (Kokai)
Mr. Ki Takasawa (represented by Mr. Nakawa), Vice President, Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO)
Vice Minister for International Affairs (name not specified)