Minister Muto Visits Malaysia

1. The 28th AEM+3 (Japan, China, and South Korea) Consultation

On Wednesday, September 24, the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Plus Three (APT) Consultation, attended by ASEAN member states along with Japan, the People's Republic of China, and the Republic of Korea, was held. The meeting reviewed the progress of economic cooperation programs under the AEM+3 framework and discussed the future direction of APT economic cooperation, based on presentations from private business organizations.

Minister Muto spoke about Japan’s initiatives, including activities in the green sector carried out by the ASEAN-Japan Centre.

During the consultation, the importance of cooperation among ASEAN, Japan, China, and South Korea was reaffirmed. Based on the discussions, a joint media statement was issued following the consultation.

2. The 31st AEM-METI Consultation

On Wednesday, September 24, the ASEAN Economic Ministers–Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (AEM-METI) Consultation was held. The meeting reviewed the progress made over the past year and discussed the future direction of Japan-ASEAN economic cooperation. In addition to discussions among participating countries, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) presented initiatives including the development of the Japan–ASEAN AI Innovation Co-Creation Roadmap and the Master Plan for Japan-ASEAN Next-Generation Automotive Industry.

Minister Muto outlined the direction for economic cooperation in light of recent global developments, emphasizing: (1) cooperation to enhance supply chain autonomy, (2) cooperation in the digital and decarbonization sectors by leveraging the two outputs of ERIA, and (3) the maintenance and strengthening of a rules-based free trading system. He also affirmed Japan’s commitment to contributing to ASEAN’s supply chain resilience.

ASEAN member states expressed appreciation for Japan’s support, particularly in the automotive and AI sectors, and conveyed their intention to continue close cooperation. Based on the discussions, a joint media statement was issued following the consultation.

3. The 4th RCEP Ministers’ Meeting after the agreement’s entry into force

On Thursday, September 25, the RCEP Ministers’ Meeting was held to discuss the future direction of RCEP as a platform to further strengthen a rules-based international trade order, amid significant changes in the global trade environment. As this year’s co-chair, Minister Muto emphasized the importance of ensuring transparent implementation of the agreement and addressing emerging trade and investment challenges through RCEP, with the aim of building a free and fair rules-based economic order in the region. The ministers shared and affirmed his sentiments. As part of the agreement’s implementation, the outcomes of the Dialogue on Electronic Commerce, which was proposed and led by Japan, were welcomed by participating countries. In addition, in the context of promoting effective utilization of the agreement, discussions were held on the importance of Economic and Technical Cooperation (ECOTECH) for ASEAN, with Japan reporting its plan to hold utilization seminars for ASEAN businesses as part of its contribution. Based on the discussions, a joint media statement was issued following the meeting.

4. Bilateral meetings

(1) Informal talk with H.E. Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia

Minister Muto expressed his gratitude to Malaysia, the chair country of this year’s AEM-METI Consultation, for its active participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. The ministers exchanged views on further deepening business relations between the two countries.

(2) Meeting with the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, Australia

The ministers discussed close cooperation between Japan and Australia in the areas of economy, resources, and energy, as well as in regional economic integration frameworks, such as the CPTPP and RCEP. They confirmed their commitment to advancing collaboration to strengthen supply chain resilience.

(3) Meeting with H.E. Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, European Commissioner

Both sides discussed Japan-EU cooperation to enhance supply chain resilience and affirmed their intention to work together to hold the next Japan-EU High-Level Economic Dialogue as early as possible.

5. The 13th EAS Economic Ministers’ Meeting

On Thursday, September 25, the East Asia Summit (EAS) Economic Ministers’ Meeting was held with participation from 18 countries, including ASEAN member states, Japan,* the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, the Republic of India, the United States of America, and the Russian Federation. The ministers discussed global economic conditions including climate change, as well as regional conditions and economic growth in East Asia. Based on the discussions, a joint statement was issued following the meeting, which was held for the first time in four years.

*Mr. Komiyama Yasuji, Director-General for Trade Policy and Economic Cooperation attended on behalf of Minister Muto.

Related Materials

• The 28th AEM Plus Three Consultation Joint Media Statement(PDF:149KB)
• The 31st AEM-METI Consultation Joint Media Statement(PDF:167KB)
• Joint Media Statement of the 4th RCEP Ministers’ Meeting(PDF:138KB)
• The 13th EAS Economic Ministers’ Meeting Joint Media Statement(PDF:152KB)

Divisions in Charge

• Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau

• Economic Partnership Division, Trade Policy Bureau