Japanese Prime Minister Announces Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative with ASEAN

In Tokyo, on September 6, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida attended the ASEAN-Indo-Pacific Forum (AIPF) - an event in the series of ASEAN Summits taking place in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Speaking at the forum, Prime Minister Kishida emphasized that with the strong economic development of ASEAN countries, the Indo-Pacific region is becoming a driving force for the world economy to grow.

The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) and the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) are both based on the essential principles of openness, transparency, inclusiveness, and respect for international law.

Japan has always supported ASEAN's centrality and unity, and was the first country to express full support for the AOIP in 2019. Prime Minister Kishida also announced the Japan-ASEAN Comprehensive Connectivity Initiative in six specific areas.

First is infrastructure development. Japan will support the development of seaports, roads, railways and airports to promote the flow of people and goods among ASEAN countries.

The projects that Japan is currently implementing have reached nearly 2,800 billion yen (about 19 billion USD). In addition, Japan will also promote technical cooperation, continuing to provide Japanese technology and knowledge to ASEAN countries.

Second is digital connectivity. Japan will cooperate to vigorously promote digitalization in ASEAN countries, while enhancing regional connectivity through digital technology and contributing to cybersecurity.

Third is maritime cooperation. This is an important factor in enhancing connectivity between Japan and ASEAN countries through sea routes. Japan will support the enhancement of maritime law enforcement capacity by providing personnel training or patrol vessels to coast guards.

Fourth, strengthening supply chains. In response to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine military conflict, ensuring a stable flow of goods and food security is crucial.

Japan will actively contribute to strengthening supply chains in ASEAN and jointly build an economy resilient to crises.

Fifth is power connectivity. ASEAN is experiencing rapid economic growth and increasing demand for electricity. To ensure a stable power supply, Japan will support the improvement of power connectivity through the development of a master plan and human resource training.

Sixth is connecting people and knowledge. Supporting the development of society is people and knowledge. Japan will cooperate in developing human resources in ASEAN countries through personnel exchange programs, training personnel in many fields, and at the same time strengthen the network of exchange and cooperation between Japan and ASEAN countries.

Japan will implement a plan to train 5,000 personnel in the next 3 years in the above fields.

Concluding his speech at the forum, Prime Minister Kishida said that next December, to conclude the year celebrating the 50th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation, Japan will invite leaders of ASEAN countries to Tokyo and attend the Japan-ASEAN Special Summit.

At that time, Japan hopes to work with ASEAN leaders to build a common vision to help shape the direction of bilateral relations as well as the direction of future cooperation.

Japan will implement cooperation initiatives extensively in the political, security, economic, cultural and social fields, and further promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges, as well as support Japanese language education and training.

With these efforts, Japan hopes to move forward together with ASEAN countries, passing on the spirit of Japan-ASEAN friendship to the next generation and turning this new era into an opportunity for both sides to grow together.