Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has delineated key priorities for the ASEAN-Japan economic partnership during the Commemorative Summit of ASEAN-Japan 50th Year of Friendship and Cooperation in Tokyo on December 17, 2023. The agenda focused on "Partners for the Co-Creation of Economic and Society of the Future," as per a statement from the Presidential Secretariat. A major emphasis lies on strengthening food and energy security. In the food sector, Jokowi emphasized the need for ASEAN and Japan to collaborate in boosting productivity and sustainability. This involves developing technology for fertilizer availability and standardizing agricultural commodity standards. Japan's role is crucial in assisting ASEAN countries in accelerating the energy transition, highlighted by the establishment of the Asia Zero Emission Center, announced by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Jokowi underlined that ASEAN-Japan cooperation could facilitate investments and the transfer of low-carbon technology, including initiatives like the ASEAN Green Supergrid and the implementation of the carbon economy.
Digital transformation is another priority, given the substantial potential of the ASEAN digital economy estimated to reach USD 1 trillion by 2030, rising to USD 2 trillion post the ASEAN Digital Economy (DEFA) launch. Jokowi stressed the importance of partnerships with Japan for up-skilling and reskilling human resources, along with enhancing digital connectivity infrastructure. The integration of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into the digital ecosystem is deemed vital for expanding market access and fortifying their resilience. Jokowi proposed that the ASEAN-Japan Center could play a facilitating role in the transformation of MSMEs. In essence, the outlined priorities aim at fostering a robust economic partnership between ASEAN and Japan, spanning food and energy security, digital transformation, and the integration of MSMEs into the evolving economic landscape. The collaboration is expected to contribute significantly to the economic and societal future of both regions.
