The 1st adoption of “Asia Digital Transformation(ADX) projects” under the FY2019 Supplementary Budget

1. A new dynamism of digital transformation in ASEAN

As economic development progresses, ASEAN member states (AMS) are facing various socio-economic challenges. It has become more crucial for AMSs to engage businesses with digital technologies providing solutions to socio-economic challenges, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Overview of the project

• This programs aims to support Japanese companies in conducting demonstration projects together with ASEAN companies to contribute to solving socio-economic challenges in AMSs by utilizing digital technologies. Using these pilot projects as showcases, ASEAN and Japan will discuss policies with AMSs on specific ways to create business-friendly environment for enhancing similar digital projects.

• From July 22 (Wed.) to August 19 (Wed.), 2020, JETRO opened a call for applicants and examined 55 applications that it received. As a result, it adopted 23 projects as successful applicants from a wide variety of fields, including telemedicine, agro technology and mobility as a service (MaaS). For the JETRO website on related efforts, visit the following site:

• JETRO website

• Following the results of the 1st call, JETRO is scheduled to open the 2nd call in the near future. The application guide and other information will be released on the JETRO website at a later date.

*Note: This project will be implemented based on the contributions allocated by METI to the AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC), which was established under the FY2019 Supplementary Budget. JETRO, to which AMEICC has commissioned the project as a secretariat for organizing the project, has been opening calls, adopting applicants and supporting successful applicants in conducting their projects.

• AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee (AMEICC)

3. New development of ASEAN-Japan cooperation on digital innovation

• Accelerating digital innovation has been one of the highest-priority agendas in recent ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation. At the Special AEM - METI Consultations on July 29th 2020, ASEAN and Japan adopted 52 Strategic Measures of the “ASEAN-Japan Economic Resilience Action Plan” in response to COVID-19 pandemic including many DX(digital transformation)-related projects. Moreover, through a joint initiative titled “Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth (DISG),*” AMS and Japan will discuss on specific themes to identify potential areas for future ASEAN-Japan cooperation, including digital technologies. For details, visit the new DISG website.

• ASEAN-Japan Economic Resilience Action Plan
• DISG website

*Note: At the AEM-METI Meeting held on August 28th 2020, the Ministers welcomed the launch of the “Dialogue for Innovative and Sustainable Growth (DISG)”.

Division in Charge

Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau