Pasay city: A Japanese business group has sought an upgrade of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) and an increase in co-creation partnerships between the two parties.
According to Philippines News Agency, the call is among the policy recommendations submitted by the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) during a high-level dialogue with Secretary-General of ASEAN, Kao Kim Hourn, in Pasay City on Friday evening. The recommendations cover supply chains, green transformation, digitalization, and human capital, based on a survey among 1,041 FJCCIA member companies seeking a more enabling investment environment in Southeast Asia.
FJCCIA Chair Shimoda Shigeru emphasized the interconnectedness of supply chains, green transformation, digitalization, and human capital, referring to this approach as integrated resilience. He stated that Japanese companies remain committed to ASEAN as long-term responsible partners, and expressed hope that these recommendations would be turned into concrete annual deliverables.
Shimoda highlighted the desire for the full implementation of the revised ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), stronger monitoring of non-tariff measures, reduced administrative burdens, and full digitization of trade procedures through the ASEAN Single Window. Additionally, the FJCCIA proposed expanding the ASEAN Power Grid and cross-border renewable energy trade, and called for the early conclusion and implementation of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).
Kao Kim Hourn acknowledged the recommendations, noting that the areas cited are also key priorities for ASEAN. He mentioned ongoing regional initiatives, including the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, ASEAN Single Window 2.0, ASEAN Power Grid, DEFA, and cooperation on skills and talent development.
The FJCCIA represents approximately 7,400 Japanese companies operating across Southeast Asia. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the Philippine-hosted 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting.
