Jakarta – The ASEAN–Japan Symposium: “Co-creation in an Era of Geoeconomics” convened in Jakarta this week, bringing together policymakers, academics, and business leaders to explore new pathways for regional cooperation amid shifting global economic dynamics.
The event, jointly organised by the Mission of Japan to ASEAN, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), and the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), was supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).
It marked another milestone in ASEAN–Japan relations, building on the momentum of the 50th anniversary of friendship and cooperation celebrated in 2023.
Delivering the keynote address, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn underscored the importance of strengthening ASEAN–Japan ties in the face of global uncertainties.
He highlighted opportunities for collaboration in areas such as digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and sustainable development, noting that these issues are central to ASEAN’s long-term economic agenda.
Dr. Kao emphasised that ASEAN and Japan share a responsibility to foster inclusive growth and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“Our partnership must evolve to meet the challenges of geoeconomics, where economic and strategic interests are increasingly intertwined,” he said.
The symposium featured panel discussions on critical themes, including the role of innovation in driving competitiveness, the need for adaptive trade policies, and the importance of youth engagement in shaping future economic landscapes.
Experts from across the region stressed that ASEAN’s growing economic weight, combined with Japan’s technological expertise, provides a strong foundation for co-creation initiatives.
Participants also examined how ASEAN and Japan could jointly navigate global supply chain disruptions and energy transitions.
With Southeast Asia emerging as a hub for renewable energy and digital industries, Japan’s investment and knowledge-sharing were seen as vital to accelerating regional transformation.
The event took place at the ERIA Digital Innovation and Sustainable Economy Centre (E-DISC) in Jakarta, with hybrid participation allowing broader engagement from across the region.
Observers noted that the symposium reflects ASEAN’s broader strategy of deepening partnerships with external stakeholders to strengthen resilience against global economic shifts.
Japan’s role as a longstanding partner was reaffirmed, with both sides expressing commitment to advancing cooperation in ways that benefit not only their economies but also the wider Indo-Pacific community.
The discussions concluded with a shared vision of ASEAN–Japan collaboration as a model of co-creation, where mutual strengths are harnessed to address challenges and seize opportunities in an era defined by geoeconomic competition.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News, Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia
