Bangkok, Thailand – The 50th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) commenced today at The Okura Prestige Bangkok Hotel, marking half a century of collaboration between ASEAN and Japan. Co-hosted by the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, and Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives), the event united prominent business leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to address critical issues under the theme “Building Resilient Partnerships for Sustainable Futures.”
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With the support of Thailand’s Minister of Industry, H.E. Mr. Akanat Promphan, the meeting centered on strengthening cross-sector partnerships to navigate regional challenges. The forum prioritized four key areas:
- Food Security: The AJBM advocated for sustainable practices within ASEAN’s agri-food sector to enhance resilience. This includes promoting protein diversification, climate-resilient crops, and robust supply chains.
- Sustainable Tourism: Recognizing the significant impact of tourism on the region, discussions focused on championing ESG principles, community-based tourism, and fair wage policies to ensure equitable distribution of benefits and resource protection.
- Mobility: To address the challenges of urbanization, the AJBM explored sustainable transportation solutions, such as electric vehicles and smart traffic systems, including Bangkok’s adaptive traffic control developed in collaboration with JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).
- Cross-Cutting Themes: In addition to the three priorities above, the forum emphasized the integration of Human Resources, Digital Transformation, and Sustainability across all sectors, recognizing their pervasive impact on economies and societies.
This year’s meeting underscored the commitment of ASEAN and Japan to sustainable growth and deeper collaboration. A key outcome of the meeting was the development of a white paper that compiles key conclusions and recommendations. This document will be presented to the governments of all AJBM member countries, providing valuable insights to support economic development and further strengthen ties between ASEAN and Japan.
Human Capital Development Takes Center Stage
Mr. Yuji Hirako, Co-Chairperson of the Japan-Asia Relations Committee at Keizai Doyukai and Senior Advisor at ANA Holdings Inc., provided updates on the “ASEAN-Japan Human Resources Platform Initiative.” This initiative, first introduced at the 48th AJBM in Tokyo, aims to develop human capital as a driver of sustainable growth in both regions.
Mr. Hirako explained that, with support from the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), efforts are underway to establish a framework for human capital development, utilization, and exchange between ASEAN and Japan. He stressed the importance of cross-sector collaboration, with Keizai Doyukai acting as a coordinator to facilitate Japanese companies’ access to ASEAN’s talent pool. The platform seeks to bridge the gap between existing exchange programs and actual job opportunities, fostering continuous talent circulation.
Looking Ahead to Continued Collaboration
Mr. Seiji Imai, Co-Chairperson of the Japan-Asia Relations Committee at Keizai Doyukai and Chairman, Member of the Board of Directors, Mizuho Financial Group, expressed his enthusiasm for building on the meeting’s achievements. “We are proud of the accomplishments we’ve achieved during this year’s meeting,” said Mr. Imai.
“As we begin planning for next year’s gathering, our focus will be on upholding the high standards set this year and collaborating closely with our ASEAN counterparts. Together, we will continue driving progress in key areas discussed.”
Mr. Yuki Ishida, Director and Group CEO of YCP Holdings, highlighted the AJBM as a vital platform for business leaders and policymakers to share insights, forge partnerships, and establish collaborative frameworks that benefit both ASEAN and Japan. The outcomes of the discussions will be compiled into a comprehensive white paper, outlining actionable solutions and insights across key sectors.
Key Recommendations to Strengthen ASEAN-Japan Cooperation
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanavath Phonvichai, President of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, shared the AJBM’s targeted recommendations to reinforce ASEAN-Japan cooperation:
- Promote Multi-Sectoral Collaboration: Establish public-private partnerships across ASEAN and Japan to pool resources and expertise, accelerating progress in sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, carbon market linkage, and the circular economy.
- Agri-Food Security through Technological Innovation: Cultivate sustainable agriculture in ASEAN and Japan to address climate challenges and food shortages. This involves adopting climate-resilient crops, precision agriculture, and renewable energy to boost food security and reduce environmental impact.
- Empower ASEAN-Japan’s Soft Power: Foster cultural and skills exchange to solidify ASEAN’s role as a mediator in Asia, enhancing ASEAN-Japan cooperation for a sustainable and stable region.
In closing, Mr. Kalin Sarasin, Honorary Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand, emphasized the 50th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting as a milestone in economic cooperation. “In facing shared challenges, this gathering reaffirms our commitment to sustainability and resilience,” he remarked. The outcomes of this AJBM will guide ASEAN and Japan toward innovative, sustainable solutions for mutual prosperity.
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