ASEAN-Japan Economic Ties Remain Strong amid Global Challenges

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn participated in the 2nd ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Forum in Tokyo today (20/12/2024).

IDXChannel - ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn participated in the 2nd ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Forum in Tokyo today (20/12/2024).

"Even amid complex geo-political tensions, global supply chain disruptions, and emerging megatrends, our bilateral trade and  investment relations have demonstrated remarkable dynamism and resilience," Kao said in his speech.

Japan was  ASEAN's fourth-largest trading partner and the fifth-largest foreign  direct investment (FDI) source among its dialogue partners. 

Bilateral trade reached over USD239 billion, while total FDI flows were valued at more than USD14 billion in 2023. 

"These numbers are concrete and tangible," Kao said.

According to Kao, the growing economic synergy between Japan and ASEAN—representing the  world's third and fifth largest economies, respectively—will drive transformative business collaboration among our businesses. 

"Collaborative efforts to date in smart cities, e-commerce, and digital  payment illustrate how Japanese capacity building has been  instrumental in facilitating Southeast Asia’s tech-powered development," he said.

"Japanese investments in renewable energy, electric  vehicles, and sustainable supply chains in the region have also  bolstered our collective pursuit of a greener future," he stated. (Wahyu Dwi Anggoro)