Minister Nishimura Visits Cambodia and Thailand

1. Meetings in Cambodia

(1) 28th ASEAN Economic Ministers - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (AEM -METI) Consultation

At the AEM – METI Consultation held on September 18, the ministers discussed the progress and results of ASEAN-Japan economic cooperation over the past year, as well as efforts toward the 50th anniversary of friendship and cooperation between ASEAN and Japan in 2023. Toward the 50th anniversary of friendship and cooperation, Minister Nishimura requested cooperation in the ASEAN-JAPAN Economic Co-Creation Vision formulated by METI with the business communities of Japan and ASEAN. Based on that vision, he also proposed to draw up a Future Design for the ideal vision and concrete Action Plan to achieve it, which were endorsed by the participants.
Based on the discussions, a Joint Media Statement was issued after the meeting.

(2) 10th East Asia Summit (EAS) - Economic Ministers’ Meeting

At the EAS-EMM held on September 17, which was attended by ASEAN member states, Japan, China, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, India, the US, and Russia, the participants discussed the regional environment and economic development in the East Asia region.
With regard to the regional environment, Minister Nishimura condemned Russia's aggression against Ukraine and expressed concern over the situation in Myanmar.
He explained Japan's policy on cooperating with ASEAN based on the actual situation in East Asia while the regional situation becomes more and more uncertain with Russia's aggression again Ukraine. Examples he raised of the policy include providing support for collaboration between Japanese and ASEAN companies working to solve social issues using digital technology, and strengthening cooperation with ASEAN toward realistic energy transitions. In addition, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) expressed its intention to establish a new center for digital innovation and sustainable economy in the region, and Minister Nishimura expressed his intention to actively support ERIA's efforts.
Based on the discussions, an ASEAN Media Statement was issued after the meeting.

(3) Inaugural RCEP Ministers' Meeting

At the RCEP Ministers’ Meeting held on September 17, the participants discussed various matters related to the operation of the RCEP Agreement. In addition, Minister Nishimura stressed the importance of fully implementing the Agreement in order to create a free and fair economic order in the region, and reaffirmed with other ministers the necessity to refrain from taking any measures inconsistent with the Agreement. Furthermore, he announced that Japan would first contribute 200,000 US dollars to ensure that ASEAN countries implement the RCEP Agreement, and further strengthen its support in the future.
Based on the discussions, a Joint Media Statement was issued after the meeting.

(4) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce of the Royal Government of Cambodia

On September 18, Minister Nishimura held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce of the Royal Government of Cambodia. At the meeting, he expressed his gratitude for Minister Sorasak's contribution to ASEAN-related economic ministers' meetings as the ASEAN chair for the year, and exchanged views with the Cambodian minister on matters such as the formulation of the ASEAN-JAPAN Economic Co-Creation Vision by business communities in Japan and ASEAN on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN-Japan friendship and cooperation next year, and on cooperation with drawing up a new action plan for Japan and ASEAN based on the vision. The two ministers confirmed that they would work together toward the development of ASEAN-Japan cooperation. They also exchanged views on strengthening supply chain resilience, using digital technology, and developing human resources, and agreed to further deepen the relationship between Japan and Cambodia toward the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year.

2. Meetings in Thailand

(1) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Thailand

On September 18, Minister Nishimura visited Thailand and held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Supattanapong Punmeechaow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy of Thailand. The two leaders exchanged views on matters including promoting efforts based on the Asia-Japan Investing for the Future Initiative (AJIF) and speeding up transitions to clean energy with a view toward simultaneously strengthening energy security and achieving carbon neutrality. During the meeting, they confirmed that Thailand's BCG Economy Model and Japan's policy of aiming for economic growth through green transformation can produce synergy. Minister Nishimura expressed his intention to continue to promote cooperation based on the concept of co-creation between Japan and Thailand, including cooperation toward achieving the Asia Zero Emissions Community vision, and they agreed to promote that cooperation together.

(2) Visit to Kubota Farm

On September 18, Minister Nishimura visited Thailand and observed Kubota Farm, a farm in Chonburi Province for demonstrating agriculture mechanization and promoting techniques and technologies established by a joint venture between Kubota and the Siam Cement Group, a Thai conglomerate.

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(3) Exchange of opinions with top executives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok

On the same day, Minister Nishimura met top executives of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok and exchanged views on the current status of the activities of Japanese companies and the future development of Japan-Thailand economic relations.

3. Mr. Hirai Hirohide, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, attended the 25th ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Plus Three Consultation

On September 17, the AEM Plus Three Consultation (in which ASEAN member states, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea participated) was also held, and Mr. Hirai Hirohide, Vice-Minister for International Affairs, attended as Japan's representative. At this meeting, the participants reaffirmed the importance of cooperation between ASEAN, Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea toward post-COVID-19 economic recovery.
Based on the discussions, a Joint Media Statement was issued after the meeting.

Related materials

• THE TWENTY-EIGHTH AEM – METI CONSULTATION JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT (18 September 2022)
• THE TENTH EAS ECONOMIC MINISTERS' MEETING ASEAN MEDIA STATEMENT (17 September 2022)
• Joint Media Statement of the Inaugural RCEP Ministers' Meeting (17 September 2022)
• THE TWENTY-FIFTH AEM PLUS THREE CONSULTATION JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT (17 September 2022)
• (Reference) ASEAN-Japan Economic Cooperation 2022(PDF:644KB)

Division in Charge

Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau