The ASEAN-Japan Forum had its fifth meeting in Jakarta on 28-30 January 1982.
The Dialogue discussed cooperation activities in the fields of Trade, Commodity, Investment, Economic, Financial and Technical Cooperation, Shipping, and Cultural Cooperation.
Japan has announced that she intends to reduce tariff rates on 1,653 of its import items two years ahead of its scheduled staging as provided for in the MTN. At the same time, Japan has also agreed to take concrete steps to reduce non-tariff measure such as inspection procedures and standard requirements by the end of January 1982. On GSP, Japan announced it will organize a seminar on its GSP and the related Cummulative Rules of Origin for the benefit of ASEAN manufacturers and exporters in 1982.
ASEAN and Japan agreed to cooperate in the implementation of the Sixth ITA and the International Natural Rubber Agreement. They also agreed to urge producing and consuming countries to fully participate in these Agreements. Furthermore, ASEAN and Japan agreed to work closely in various international for a to positively deal with NorthSouth issues emanating from the Cancun Summit in the spirit of international cooperation.
In the fields of investment and industry, ASEAN proposed cooperation in investment to small and medium scale industries in industrial complementation, and the redeployment of industries from Japan to ASEAN countries and assistance to ASEAN Industrial Projects. No concrete commitments were made.
On Energy, Japan agreed to consider and explore possibilities for supporting the requested assistance for training courses and seminars in more specific areas. The proposals are in the fields of coal exploration, exploitation and development of hydro-geothermal and other non-conventional power resources.
The preparations for implementing the ASEAN Project on Human Resources Development, have been proceeding satisfactorily. The Project involves a Centre for Vocational and Extension Services
Training (CEVEST) in Indonesia; a Centre for instructors and Advanced Skills Training (CIAST) in Malaysia; a Program for Rural Development through Strengthening of Agro-Industrial Livelihood Activities (KKK) in the Philippines; an Institute for Continuing Occupational Development (ICOD) in Singapore; and a Training Center for Primary Health Care in Thailand.
In Agriculture, Japan stated that there were already a number of on-going bilateral projects of this nature between ASEAN and Japan. Such being the case, it was decided that the possibility of expanding some of these bilateral projects similar to the proposed regional projects to cater to the region should be explored. The proposed projects are in pesticide management, duck disease research, sawmilling research and poultry disease research.
ASEAN also submitted proposals for cooperation in the areas of marine sciences, biotechnology, and alcohol. The proposal for the establishment of Centers for Appropriate Technology (ACAT) in ASEAN was also re-submitted to Japan.
On Shipping, Japan agreed to give consideration in assisting ASEAN, where possible, for early implementation of the ASEAN proposed projects. The proposals are for studies in shipbuilding, the development of ferry links, Inter and Intra ASEAN shipping studies and studies in Transport and Communications.
On Financial Cooperation, Japan stated that various Japanese private banks are already conducting training in the nature of the ASEAN proposal for training on access to the Japanese capital markets. The ASEAN Tokyo Committee is being requested to discuss details of the proposal with the relevant Japanese authorities. The Insurance Commissioners of ASEAN will, at a later stage, extend details of the proposed cooperation to Japan for consideration.
A Program for ASEAN Regional Studies Promotion, is being proposed by Japan. ASEAN held a symposium in Kuala Lumpur in March 1982 to consider the project in detail.
ASEAN and Japan also received the progress of
the activities funded by the ASEAN Cultural Fund
and the Japanese Scholarship Fund for ASEAN
Youth. Satisfaction was expressed with the
utilization of these Funds.
For more information, please refer to the project details
