ASEAN Discusses Regional Economic Recovery Efforts

Jakarta, InfoPublik - Indonesian Minister of Trade Agus Suparmanto led the Indonesian Delegation at the 26th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) -Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI Japan) Consultation Meeting held via video conference.

This meeting was a series of AEM meetings which took place on 22-29 August 2020.

Trade Minister Agus stated that the ministers appreciated the efforts made to improve economic relations between ASEAN and Japan during the Covid-19 pandemic. The ministers also welcomed the recommendations given in creating a "new era business environment" through accelerating digitalization, developing human resources, and strengthening regional supply chains.

"ASEAN and Japan need to make breakthroughs in restoring economic conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic by accelerating the digitalization of trade activities and implementing innovative policies," the minister said in a press release on Sunday, 30 August.

The ministers welcomed Japan's proposal to carry out the Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth (DISG), one the concrete actions of the ASEAN-Japan Economic Resilience Action Plan which was launched on 29 July 29 2020.

The ministers also welcomed the implementation of the First Protocol to Amend AJCEP Agreement by the five ASEAN Member States and Japan. It is targeted that the full implementation of this protocol by all ASEAN and Japanese parties can be carried out in November 2020. This protocol will deepen and expand economic cooperation between ASEAN and Japan which is expected to improve the economies of both parties during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prior to the 26th of ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) - Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI Japan) Consultation Meeting, the ministers held a dialogue with the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA), ASEAN-Japan Business Council, and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO).

Reporter: Wandi