Bangkok, Thailand – The Thai Chamber of Commerce – Japanese, in collaboration with the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) and the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), recently hosted the landmark 50th ASEAN-Japan Business Meeting (AJBM) at The Okura Prestige Bangkok. Themed “Building Resilient Partnerships for Sustainable Futures,” the event drew over 500 prominent business leaders, entrepreneurs, and government representatives from ASEAN and Japan to discuss key economic issues and celebrate five decades of fruitful collaboration.
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This milestone AJBM served as a crucial platform for shaping economic cooperation between ASEAN and Japan for the coming decade. The focus was on identifying pressing regional challenges and proposing actionable policy recommendations to relevant agencies, ultimately driving sustainable economic and social growth in the region. Mr. Ekanat Promphan, Thailand’s Minister of Industry, graced the occasion as the keynote speaker.
Mr. Klin Sarasin, Chairman of the Thai-Japanese Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the significance of the 50th AJBM, stating, “This is a pivotal step in ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation. The outcomes of this meeting will guide both regions towards sustainable development and further strengthen our bond.”
White Paper: Navigating the Path to ASEAN-Japan Economic Resilience
A highlight of the meeting was the unveiling of a comprehensive White Paper developed by YCP. This document delved into three critical areas – food security, transportation, and tourism – offering a roadmap for regional economic development and collaboration.
1. Food Security
- The White Paper underscored the importance of ensuring access to safe, nutritious, and sufficient food, particularly in Southeast Asia, which faces challenges such as climate change, geopolitical conflicts, and fragile supply chains.
- It proposed solutions such as promoting sustainable agriculture, leveraging modern technology, researching climate-resilient crops and livestock, and diversifying protein sources, including reducing reliance on meat and promoting alternatives like plant-based protein, insects, and algae.
- Thailand, a major global food producer, was cited as an example of a country grappling with food security issues, especially in agriculture and fisheries, impacting animal feed supply, crop cultivation, and food production.
2. Transportation
- The White Paper highlighted the worsening air quality in Southeast Asia, primarily attributed to urbanization, vehicular emissions, and traffic congestion in major cities like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila.
- It recommended solutions such as promoting electric vehicles (EVs), expanding public transportation networks, implementing intelligent traffic management systems, reducing private car usage, and encouraging cycling, walking, and work-from-home arrangements.
- Bangkok’s efforts to tackle these issues were showcased, including the Bangkok Area Traffic Control Project (BATCP), public transportation development (e.g., BTS Skytrain), and initiatives to promote eco-friendly commuting.
3. Tourism
- The White Paper addressed the rapid economic growth in Southeast Asia, which has fueled the tourism sector’s potential while also creating challenges like overtourism in popular destinations, impacting the environment, local communities, and the industry’s sustainability.
- It suggested solutions like diversifying tourism to new destinations, promoting ecotourism, cultural tourism, wellness tourism, and community-based tourism to generate income and distribute economic opportunities to local communities.
- Case studies from Japan, such as Mount Fuji and the Honolulu Festival, were presented, along with examples of leading Thai tourism companies like Dusit Thani, which prioritize responsible tourism and sustainable community development.
Collaboration: The Key to a Sustainable Future
The 50th AJBM was not merely a platform for exchanging ideas and experiences but also a catalyst for forging strong collaborative networks across various sectors. This collaborative spirit aims to shape policies and practices that will propel the region towards a sustainable future, encompassing several dimensions:
1. Public-Private Partnerships
- The AJBM exemplified successful public-private collaboration, with government agencies like the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs actively supporting the event. Meanwhile, private sector entities like the Thai-Japanese Chamber of Commerce, JSCCIB, and various companies played key roles in organizing, brainstorming, and proposing solutions.
- Such collaboration is crucial for creating an environment conducive to investment, trade, and economic development, with the government setting policies, regulations, and supportive measures, while the private sector drives investment, job creation, and economic activity.
2. Regional Cooperation
- The AJBM provided a platform for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and government representatives from ASEAN and Japan to connect, exchange views, and build partnerships to address challenges and promote regional economic development.
- Regional cooperation is vital for tackling issues like climate change, food security, and sustainable development, all of which require collaborative solutions from all countries in the region.
3. Business-to-Business Collaboration
- The AJBM fostered business networking and collaboration between companies in ASEAN and Japan, facilitating business matching, negotiations, and joint investment opportunities.
- Business-to-business collaboration is a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and regional competitiveness.
4. Academic Collaboration
- UTCC, a leading educational institution, played a crucial role in supporting the conference and presenting research findings, data, and knowledge to inform policymaking and decision-making by both the public and private sectors.
- Academic collaboration is essential for knowledge development, innovation, and human resource development to adapt to global changes and meet industry needs.
5. Civil Society Engagement
- The AJBM also provided opportunities for civil society organizations, such as NGOs and community groups, to voice their opinions and suggest approaches to economic and social development that consider environmental impacts and the well-being of communities.
- Engaging with civil society is crucial for balancing economic development with environmental protection and social equity.
In conclusion, the 50th AJBMshowcased the power of collaboration as the key to unlocking a sustainable future for ASEAN and Japan. By fostering partnerships across all sectors, the region can effectively address challenges and seize opportunities for economic, social, and environmental progress, ultimately leading to prosperity and an improved quality of life for all.
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