The ASEAN-Japan Centre marked a significant milestone at the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit in Tokyo on December 17th, 2023. As a guest of the Chair, Secretary General Kunihiko (Chris) Hirabayashi celebrated the 50th Year of Friendship and Cooperation, highlighting the Centre’s ongoing dedication to enhancing ties between Japan and ASEAN.
Secretary General Hirabayashi’s speech underscored several critical areas:
Strengthening Bonds over 40 Years
The Centre has been actively fostering relationships between ASEAN and Japan through trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Unwavering Commitment to AOIP (ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific)
Focus areas include marine sustainability, inclusive growth, and a transformative digital and green economy. The Centre’s engagement with around 10,000 high school students across ASEAN and Japan, inspiring actions against marine plastic pollution, stands as a testament to its commitment.
Innovative Approach
The Centre places a strong emphasis on sustainable impact investments that deliver not only economic returns, but also social and environmental benefits for all.
The Way Forward
Looking ahead, the ASEAN-Japan Centre, based on the ‘Joint Vision Statement on Japan-ASEAN Friendship and Cooperation and its Implementation Plan‘ adopted at this Summit, aims to deepen the ‘heart-to-heart’ relationship between Japan and ASEAN, striving together to co-create societies that are peaceful, sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous.
Join us on this transformative journey, as we continue to foster a golden friendship and golden opportunities of partnership between ASEAN and Japan.
