ASEAN-Japan
The Sixth Meeting of the ASEAN - Japan
Forum was held in Tokyo on May 26 - 27, 1983.
The global quota for canned pineapple was
announced on 18 February 1982. On GSP, a
seminar on Japanese GSP for ESCAP as well as
ASEAN was held in Bangkok on January 13-14,
1983. Japan will hold this seminar for ASEAN
every two years.
Japan has pledged its full support for the
efficient operation of the Sixth International Tin
Agreement (ITA) and the Natural Rubber
Agreement. Japan reiterated its continued support
for Manila as the site of the headquarters of the
Common Fund.
In the fields of investment and industry,
Japan has showed great interest in the development
of the ASEAN - Japan Development Cooperation
(private.) which has already established contacts
with ASEAN. Japanese investment in ASEAN has
reached approximately US$ 10,5 billion. Japan
held two Seminars on Investment at the ASEAN
Promotion Centre in Tokyo on 30 August - 10
September 1982 and March 1983 to promote
investment to the ASEAN region.
On Energy, Japan held training courses for
ASEAN officers in energy conservation. It agreed
to continue providing new training courses in
energy conservation and the study of coal fired
electric power plants in Japan.
The ASEAN Project on Human Resources
Development is being implemented. ASEAN
member countries and Japan have signed an
agreement on a Centre for Vocational and
Extension Services Training (CEVEST) in
Indonesia, a Centre for Instructors and Advance
Skill Training (CIAST) in Malaysia, a Program for
Rural Development through Strengthening of
Agro-Industrial Livelihood Activities (KKK) in the
Philippines Productivity Development Project
(PDP) in Singapore, and a Training Centre
Primary Health Care in Thailand.
In Agriculture, Japan has agreed to set up a
Poultry Disease Research and Training Centre in
Malaysia. Japan will also look into the possibility
of incorporating Duck Disease Research activities
to this Poultry Disease Research and Training
Project.
ASEAN submitted its ASEAN Plan of Action
on Science and Technology for cooperation with
Japan. ASEAN would like Japan to assist by
establishing an ASEAN Trust Fund to enable
ASEAN to undertake research and development,
develop science and technology infrastructure and
transfer of technology. ASEAN leaders welcomed
PM Nakasone's proposals to promote Japan - ASEAN
cooperation in science and technology,
including frontier technologies such as biotechnology
, information services, electronic engineering
including the proposal for a Ministerial Meeting.
Japan will send a mission to ASEAN countries in
July/ August 1983 to discuss these proposals.
Japan said it will support and facilitate cooperation
in insurance. The Insurance Commissioners
of ASEAN will take the initiative
to establish a dialogue with the Insurance Association
of Japan as ASEAN is interested in upgrading
its computer based insurance system.
On the Program for ASEAN Regional Studies
Promotion, Japan has agreed to increase the budget
of Y20 million in fiscal year 1982/1983 to Y 60
million for fiscal year 1983/1984.
A progress report on the activities of the
Japan Scholarship Fund for ASEAN Youth and the
ASEAN Cultural Fund was presented to the
Japanese authorities.
ASEAN and Japan agreed to study the project
proposals on Sports Science Meeting and Study of
Staff Development Practices in Science
Organisations. Also, Japan is now considering a
new programme entitled "ASEAN-Japan Cooperation
Promotion Program" whereby Japan
would provide funds amounting to US$ 1 50,000 to
conduct an exchange of scholars, experts etc.
Japan will send a mission to ASEAN countries
to discuss the implementation of the "Friendship
Programme for the 21st Century" proposed by PM
Nakasone during his recent visit to the ASEAN
member countries. It is a youth exchange
programme involving the visit of 750 ASEAN
youths to Japan annually for a period of 5 years.
For more information, please refer to project details
