Vice-Minister for International Affairs Matsuo Visits Republic of Singapore and Republic of Indonesia

1. Third Japan-Singapore Economic Dialogue

The Third Japan-Singapore Economic Dialogue was held in Singapore on Wednesday, February 11. This event was launched based on the agreement made between the ministers of METI and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore in May 2022.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Singapore. In order to further enhance bilateral economic relations in this commemorative year, past initiatives and the future direction of bilateral cooperation were discussed between the public and private sectors regarding fields that both countries regard as important, namely economic security, the enhancement of supply chain resilience, deep tech and energy transition. 

Specifically, participants reviewed the results of the innovation promotion programs implemented by the two countries, including the Japan-Singapore Co-creation Platform and the Singapore-Japan Fast Track Pitch, and confirmed the importance of continuing these initiatives. They also carried out more in-depth discussions on how to share knowledge and foster collaboration in important fields, such as economic security, quantum technology, AI, interoperable data infrastructures (the Ouranos Ecosystem) and semiconductors, as well as in the fields that contribute to energy transition, such as those related to LNG, hydrogen and ammonia, offshore wind power generation, nuclear energy, fusion energy, CCUS, biogas and SAF. Moreover, participants exchanged views on the future direction of the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC).

Japan and Singapore released the following joint media statement on the future direction of bilateral cooperation based on the results of the dialogue:

• JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT ON JAPAN-SINGAPORE ECONOMIC DIALOGUE(PDF:168KB)

Outline

Date:

3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. (Singapore time), Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Place:

Conrad Singapore Orchard (held in a hybrid format)

Japan side:

Vice-Minister for International Affairs Matsuo, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (Co-chair), Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Embassy of Japan in Singapore, and organizations and companies in the private sector (Japan Fusion Energy Council [J-Fusion], Fujitsu and Nitto Denko)

Singapore side:

Permanent Secretary Augustin Lee, Ministry of Trade and Industry (Co-chair), Economic Development Board (EDB), and Enterprise Singapore (ESG), companies in the private sector, and others

2. Meeting with Permanent Secretary Augustin Lee, Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore

On Wednesday, February 11, prior to the Japan-Singapore Economic Dialogue, Vice-Minister for International Affairs Matsuo met Permanent Secretary Augustin Lee to exchange views on the enhancement of supply chain resilience, Japan-ASEAN cooperation, cooperation in the energy field, and related trade policies.

3. Breakfast meeting with Executive Chairman Lee Chuan Teck of Enterprise Singapore

On Thursday, February 12, Vice-Minister for International Affairs Matsuo held a breakfast meeting with Executive Chairman Lee Chuan Teck of Enterprise Singapore. They talked about the enhancement of supply chain resilience, quantum technology, AI, startups, energy and other fields, and exchanged views with an eye to strengthening bilateral business relations.

4. Meeting with Mr. Faisol Riza, Vice Minister of Industry of Indonesia

On Thursday, February 12, Vice-Minister for International Affairs Matsuo met Vice Minister of Industry Faisol Riza. They exchanged views on multifaceted cooperation in the automobile industry, including for biofuels, and on the enhancement of supply chain resilience. They also discussed the import- and export-related measures implemented by Indonesia.

Divisions in Charge

• Asia and Pacific Division, Trade Policy Bureau

• International Affairs Division, Commissioner’s Secretariat, Agency for Natural Resources and Energy