Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director, ERIA, and some ERIA officials and researchers attended “Public-Private Sector Policy Dialogue” on 24 August 2010 in Da Nang, Vietnam.

 

The ASEAN Member states and the businesses in the logistics services sector participated in the dialogue. The outcomes of the symposium on “Implementation of ASEAN Roadmap for Logistics Services Integration” held on the sidelines of the 42nd ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting were discussed.

 

Mr. Dave Tan, Executive Director, Conference of Asia Pacific Express Carriers (CAPEC), presented a report on the recommendations of the symposium. The Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP) that Prof. Fukunari Kimura, Chief Economist, ERIA, delivered a presentation at the symposium held a day earlier is mentioned in paragraph 6, saying, “Connectivity beyond ASEAN is also essential and the development of the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP) provides an overall approach in which well-planned development strategy and policy coordination will enhance the economic growth of the region and narrow the development gaps”.

 

Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director ERIA, reported to the meeting that in preparing the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP) and the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan, ERIA has made an imperative recommendation to improve physical connectivity and institutional connectivity to create better business environment in this region. He informed the meeting that ERIA is ready to provide continuous intellectual support for various issues related to implementation, and eager to render assistance for further communication between policy makers, business and academia.

 

The Secretary General, ASEAN addressed both ERIA and the private sector to engage in logistics integration in the ASEAN region. He noted the recommendations in the logistics roadmap to be useful.

 

The chair thanked all the participants for their comments and recommendations. He noted that the symposium on logistics service integration has covered a wide range of issues pertaining to transport, customs, telecommunication, finance and economic cooperation.

 

On that accession, Mr. Nishimura met with Mr. Gregory Domingo, Secretary of Department of Trade and Industry of Philippines (right above).

 

Please click here for the Report of the Symposium and its Recommendations.

 

 

The Symposium on “Implementation of the ASEAN Roadmap for Logistics Services Integration”, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam (MOIT), together with ERIA, Conference of Asia Pacific Express Carriers (CAPEC), Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), and the ASEAN Secretariat was held on 22 August 2010 in Da Nang, Vietnam. It was within the framework of the 42nd ASEAN Economic Ministers Meetings and related meetings, which began 21st in Da Nang until 27 August.

 

The Symposium was opened by Mr. Nguyen Cam Tu, Vice Minister of Industry and Trade of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam. Up to 200 participants from government, business and academia, representing all ASEAN countries attended the symposium.

 

Prof. Fukunari Kimura, Chief Economist of ERIA, made a presentation on the latest status (the final draft) of the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP) at Session 1: “Presentations on ASEAN Roadmap for the integration of Logistics Services and Connectivity Strategy for Inclusive Development". The USB memory stick including the Final Draft of the CADP was presented to all the participants as a memorial gift.

 

After the symposium, ERIA hosted a Gala Dinner. Around 140 representatives from participants of the symposium attended.

 

Mr. Nishimura delivered opening remarks, saying, “we are indeed very happy to have contributed towards this integration process by holding this symposium here in Da Nang. It’s also ERIA’s greatest honor, that today ERIA presented the final draft of the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan to the Symposium”. He further added that ERIA is also contributing very substantially towards the integration process in the ASEAN through our major research contribution in the ASEAN Strategic Transport Plan (ASTP) 2010-2015 and the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan. In conclusion, he thanked all the people who have worked towards the success of the symposium and the participants who have given valuable inputs on the subject.

 

 

The 9^th Asian Statesmen’s Forum was held at Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand, on 21^st August 2010. The Forum was attended by around 40 people consisting of members of parliament and professors from Indonesia, Japan, Thailand and Vietnam as well as from ASEAN Secretariat and ERIA.

 

The Asian Statesmen’s Forum provides an opportunity for informal dialogue among young political leaders of Japan and ASEAN countries, through which political, diplomatic, economic and cultural understanding. It plays a significant role in adding to shared understanding and political consensus between Japan and ASEAN countries, eventually contributing to ensure the stability and continued development of the region. The first forum was held in Tokyo, Japan in November 2000. Since then it has continued to be held approximately once a year, hosted by each member in turn.

 

Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN opened the Forum by welcoming participants and highlighting the importance of continuous cooperation among ASEAN and East Asian countries under the dynamic economy in the region.

 

The Forum discussed comprehensive issues for the region including security in Asia, ASEAN development strategy and sustainability for the future of Asia. Dr. Ponciano S. Intal Jr., Senior Researcher of ERIA, gave a presentation on possible key components of ASEAN development strategy derived from research studies conducted by ERIA. Dr. Intal’s presentation was well taken which highlighted the valuable role of ERIA for the sustainable development of the region.

 

The participants thanked National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS) of Japan, the secretariat of the Forum for their excellent job to organize the Forum. They also reaffirmed the importance of the activities of the Forum with over ten years’ history and welcomed the offer from Vietnam to host the next Forum, to be held around a year after.

 

 

Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director, ERIA, visited Hanoi on 19 -20 August 2010. On that occasion, Mr. Nishimura had a meeting with Mr. Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Minister, Chairman of Government Office of Vietnam (left above) and Mr. Truong Tan Sang, Member of Politburo of the Communist Party of Vietnam (right above).

 

Mr. Nishimura explained about the strategic research for the growth of Vietnam and a forthcoming symposium, to be held on 26th October 2010 in Ha Noi, in cooperation with the Harvard University.

 

 

The Second Senior Transport Officials Meeting (STOM) Experts Group Meeting to develop the ASEAN Strategic Transport Plan (ASTP) 2011-2015 was held from 19-20 August 2010 at the ERIA Annex Office in Jakarta, Indonesia. The Meeting was attended by delegates from all ASEAN Member States. Representatives from the Economic Research Institute for East Asia and ASEAN (ERIA), the consulting team from Nippon Koei and the academic consultants, and staff members of the ASEAN Secretariat, were in attendance.

 

The Meeting was chaired by Mr. Tran Dong Phuong, Head of the Infrastructure Division, ASEAN Secretariat. In his introductory remarks, the Chair highlighted the task of the STOM Experts Group in completing the draft final Report of the ASTP or the “Brunei Action Plan” for submission to the 29th STOM/16th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting (ATM) in November 2010.

 

Mr. Shinya Kawamura, Deputy General Manager of ERIA welcomed the delegates to ERIA and acknowledged the importance of the activity at hand, stressing that this is the last opportunity for all Member States to gather and expressing ERIA’s gratitude to all Member States for the cooperation and support extended to the ERIA Study Team throughout the preparation of the study.

 

The ERIA Study Team Coordinator, Mr. So Umezaki, presented an overview on the progress of the ASTP development after the Mid Term Report, the outline of the Draft Final Report and the remaining milestones in the schedule to finalise the ASTP.

 

The Meeting noted that the report will be finalised by 30 September 2010 for circulation to all AMS and for submission to the STOM and ATM Meeting on 8-12 November 2010. Goals and actions of action plans in 4 area (Land Transport, Maritime Transport, Air Transport and Transport facilitation) were also discussed during the meeting.

 

The Meeting agreed to recommend to STOM and ATM to organize a launching ceremony of the ASTP 2011-2015 at the signing ceremony and press conference of the 16th ATM in November 2010 in Brunei Darussalam.

 

 

Mr. Takaya Imai, Deputy Director-General, Trade and Economic Cooperation Bureau, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Japan, called on Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura at ERIA Annex Office on 9 August 2010.

 

Both parties discussed the outcomes of the 43rd ASEAN Ministerial Meeting and Related meetings, and 2nd Breakfast Meeting for IMT-GT (Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand) Ministers recently especially on the statement that ERIA was mentioned.

 

They shared common views that Japan should put all strengths and conceptual power into creating an East Asian economic sphere. ERIA has an important role to play in this.

 

 

The High-Level Policy Round Table was held in Beppu, Japan, from 7 to 8 August, 2010 under the chairmanship of H.E. Mr. Masayuki Naoshima, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan and H.E. Mr. Satoshi Arai, Minister of State for National Policy and Minister of State for Economic and Fiscal Policy, Japan. All participating APEC economies’ heads of the delegations including ministerial level officials, welcomed especially the participation of the following individuals: President of Asian Development Bank; Executive Director of International Energy Agency; Chairperson of the Governing Board, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA); and Vice President, East Asia and Pacific of the World Bank.

 

Dr. Dinh Van An attended as Chairperson of ERIA and gave a presentation entitled “SMEs’ assistance and worker skill upgrading: solution for inclusive growth” at Session 4: INCLUSIVE GROWTH.

 

The participants discussed the envisioned long-term comprehensive strategy and developed a shared understanding on the direction of the Growth Strategy based on discussions among participants from business community and academia, as well as government.

 

Picture1: Dr. Dinh Van An, Chairperson of ERIA Governing Board

Picture2:

• Left: Dr. Peter Drysdale, Professor Emeritus, Crawford School of Ecnomics & Government, Australia (Member of ERIA Academic Advisory Council)
• Center : Prof. Gary Richard Hawke, Professor Emeritus, Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand (Member of ERIA Academic Advisory Council)
• Right: Dr. Hank Lim Giok-Hay, Senior Research Fellow, Singapore Institute of International Affairs (Chairman of ERIA Academic Advisory Council)

 

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Indonesian government convened the Second Workshop on Rules of Origin (ROO) in the East Asia Economic Integration in cooperation with ERIA at Crowne Plaza Hotel Jakarta, from 5 to 6 August 2010.

 

Drawing over 60 participants from Government of 16 countries in East Asia, H.E. Mr. Gusmardi Bustami, Director General of International Trade Cooperation, Ministry of Trade, Indonesia, opened the workshop by welcoming participants and remarking that he hoped the workshop would manage the implementation of ROO.

 

During the workshop, Chief Economist of ERIA, Prof. Fukunari Kimura, gave a presentation on “Effect of tariff reduction to trade flows by sectors”. Some representatives from the private sector and the government in ASEAN member states gave a presentation on utilization, benefits, issuance and specific issues of FTAs.

 

The participants took examples of utilization of FTAs and exchanged views on a wide range of issues of FTAs. They mentioned about the issues of their application. The suggestions for the way forward for improved consultation in the future were also made.

The presentation and discussions that ensued were informative and the workshop also provided a platform for constructive dialogue between the private sector and the government.

 

Participants thanked the organizers for convening such an important workshop.

 

 

The Ministers of IMT-GT (Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle) had a productive exchange of views with the Executive Director of ERIA at the 2^nd Breakfast Meeting held in Krabi, Thailand on August 5, 2010.

 

The Ministers welcomed ERIA’s efforts and ERIA’s initiative and sponsorship to organize the Symposium on Energy Saving and Biofuel Utilization to be held at Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand scheduled on 1^st and 2^nd September 2010. They also expressed strong expectations from the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan.

 

On this occasion, Mr. Nishimura met with H.E. Tan Sri Nor Mohamed Yackop , Minister in the Prime Minister's Department of Malaysia (picture 1) and H.E. Mr. Satit Wongnongteoy, Minister of the Prime Minister office of Thailand (picture 2).

 

Please click here for Joint Press Statement of the 2nd Breakfast Meeting for IMT-GT Ministers

 

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H.E. Mr. Ongart Klampaiboon , Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office of Thailand, and a group of media visited ERIA Annex Office on August 2nd , 2010. The delegation’s visit to Indonesia is part of the Governmental project on establishing and developing the cooperative networks with governmental agencies and media in Muslim countries.

 

Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director, ERIA, and some ERIA officials and researchers welcomed the delegation. Mr. Nishimura gave a brief explanation on the recent developments of ERIA, especially on ERIA’s ongoing research activities. Mr. Nishimura said “ Main function of ERIA is to maintain and advance ASEAN Centrality “, he added, “Thailand is evidently an important part of the production network in ASEAN”. During the meeting, some people from media enquired about the status of the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP). Mr. Nishimura briefed on CADP, including the mandate, the contents and the recommendations for economic growth. Mr. Nishimura also mentioned the prospective ERIA-Harvard University seminar on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit.

 

The Minister thanked Mr. Nishimura for the warm welcome and stated that ERIA’s economic research is of great value to governments in the region in their decision making processes. During the one-hour visit, the delegation engaged in a lively discussion. Both parties shared views and information on the economic trends and future development of Thailand and ASEAN. They reaffirmed future cooperation to maintain and advance ASEAN Centrality for economic integration in the region. The Minister expressed his keenness to understand ERIA’s role in the ASEAN.

 

 

Mr. Takashi Inoguchi, President, University of Niigata Prefecture, visited ERIA Annex Office on 30 July 2010, and had a meeting with Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director, ERIA.

 

During their talks, Mr. Nishimura delivered a briefing on current activities of ERIA which were being conducted, including the ASEAN Connectivity Plan and Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP) and explained ERIA’s efforts in the building of an East Asian community and the development process in East Asia.

 

 

Embassy of Japan in Indonesia and ERIA jointly organized the 2nd ASEAN Brief on 29 July 2010, at Hotel Indonesia Kempinski Jakarta.

 

The 1^st meeting was held on 31 May 2010. The objectives of this meeting to share the information and prospects on the political and economic trends of ASEAN region with Japanese government and Japanese private enterprises.

 

It was opened by Mr. Takio Yamada, Japanese ambassador to ASEAN. Ambassador Yamada briefed the result of a series of Japan-related Foreign Ministers Meeting held from 20 to 23 July 2010. At the EAS Ministers’ Informal Consultations which was held on 21 July 2010 in Vietnam, the Ministers noted with interest ASEAN’s initiative to develop a Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity. In this regard, they also noted the implementation of Japan’s “Growth Initiative towards Doubling the Size of Asia’s Economy. In conjunction with this, Ambassador Yamada said “ there is the consensus of strategic benefits between ASEAN and Japan”, and stressed that the importance of contribution towards a more productive and constructive ASEAN-Japan relations.

 

Prof. Fukunari Kimura, Chief Economist, ERIA, made a presentation on “ ERIA’s Activities towards ASEAN Economic Integration”. Prof. Kimura explained ERIA’s mandate for policy research from East Asia Summit and ASEAN Summit and ERIA’s research activities which are currently embarking on.

 

Ms. Sachiko Ishikawa, an expert of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), gave a presentation on “JICA’s Support towards ASEAN Integration”. Ms. Ishikawa said that JICA must actively contribute for building a strong and closely integrated ASEAN.

 

After the meeting, inauguration ceremony of Mr. Takio Yamada, Japanese ambassador to ASEAN, who is the first dedicated Ambassador to ASEAN based in Jakarta ,was held at the same occasion.

 

It was attended by 300 people including diplomats and government officials in ASEAN member states as well as participants of ASEAN Brief. Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN, also attended the ceremony.

 

 

Mr. Akihiko Hirotani, Chairman of Oriental Consultants Co., Ltd. called on Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director, ERIA.

 

Mr. Nishimura gave a brief explanation on the recent developments of ERIA especially on the Comprehensive Asia Development Plan (CADP), which is one of the key ERIA’s on-going research projects. Mr. Hirotani noted ERIA’s effort to assist preparations for ASEAN’s integration.

 

 

ERIA held the Afternoon Tea Lecture on 27 July 2010 at ERIA Annex Office. Lecturers were Dr. Mitsuo Nakamura, Professor Emeritus of Chiba University, and Professor Hisako Nakamura, Former Professor, Bunkyo University. The theme was “Political, Social and Economic Role of Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Two Biggest Islamic Organizations in Indonesia”.

 

Over 40 participants from Japanese company and other institutes located in Jakarta as well as ERIA officials and researchers were there.

 

Dr. Mitsuo Nakamura and Prof. Hisako Nakamura have been observing the two largest Islamic organizations, Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama. (In case of Muhammadiyah, they have started a local study 40 years ago in 1970.) It’s well known that the fourth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Abdurrahman Wahid, was a former chairman of NU.

 

According to Dr. Mitsuo Nakamura, almost one thirds of the entire Indonesian population of 230 million are members or followers of either of the two organizations. He took some examples that NU is contrasting to Muhammadiyah in terms of historical background, organizational structure, people’s life style, religious practice, and so on. He also mentioned about the recent developments and prospects for their future direction. In the conclusion, he said “Both are positively involved in the promotion of world peace with other faiths. Such cooperation should be further promoted to enhance people to people cooperation and solidarity among ASEAN and East Asian countries”, he added, “we hope that our presentation this afternoon has been of any interest and of any use for you to start approaching them from your side”.

 

After their lecture, a lively Q&A session was conducted. The participants enhanced and widened their knowledge on this two biggest Islamic organizations in Indonesia.

 

 

The 4th EAS Energy Ministers Meeting was held on 22 July 2010 in Da Lat, Viet Nam. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Vu Huy Hoang, Minister of Industry and Trade of Viet Nam, and co-chaired by H.E. Chiaki Takahashi, Vice Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan. The Meeting was attended by the Ministers and high level officials responsible for Energy from the EAS Participating Countries, namely ASEAN Member States, Australia, People’s Republic of China, Republic of India, Republic of Korea, Japan, and New Zealand. Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director, ERIA, attended the meeting.

 

On this occasion, Mr. Nishimura met with H.E. Mr. Chiaki Takahashi, Vice Minister for Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (picture 1), H.E. Mr. Jose Rene D. Almendras, Secretary, Department of Energy of Philippines(picture 2), H.E. Mr.Vu Huy Hoang, Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (picture 3), H.E. Mr.Soulivong Daravong, Minister of Energy and Mines of Lao PDR (picture 4), and H.E. Mr. Qian ZhiMin, Deputy Administrator, National Energy Administration of China.

 

Please click here for Joint Ministerial Statement of the Fourth East Asian Summit Energy Ministers Meeting . (ERIA is mentioned in paragraph 7,8,9,11)

 

 

 

 

 

The East Asia Summit (EAS) Ministers’ Informal Consultations was held on 21 July 2010 in Vietnam. The Consultations were chaired by H.E. Dr. Pham Gia Khiem, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

 

After the meeting, the EAS Ministers, in a Chairman’s Statement released after the meeting, expressed their support for the current Chair of ASEAN, Viet Nam. ERIA was mentioned in paragraph 4, 15.

 

Chairman’s Statement of the East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers Informal Consultations 

 

 

The Foreign Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), met at the 43^rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) from 19-20 July 2010 in Ha Noi, Viet Nam.

 

His Excellency Pham Gia Khiem, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam and Chairman of ASEAN, chaired the Meeting. Extensive, open and fruitful discussions to advance further ASEAN’s common efforts under the theme of the year 2010 “Enhanced Efforts towards the ASEAN Community: from Vision to Action ”were conducted.

 

In their deliberations, the Foreign Ministers highlighted the significance to maintain ASEAN Centrality and to intensify efforts to accelerate ASEAN’s integration.

 

At the end of the AMM, a Joint Communiqué was issued. ERIA was mentioned in paragraph 15.

 

Joint Communiqué of the 43rd ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting 

 

 

The Camelot Brainstorm Meeting with the presence of Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN, was held at ERIA Annex Office on July 13, 2010.

 

Around 30 people including prominent scholars and specialists attended the meeting. At the opening session, Mr. Hidetoshi Nishimura, Executive Director, ERIA, welcomed all the participants. Dr. Dinh Van An, Chairperson of ERIA Governing Board said in his remarks, “we need to reaffirm our faith in the vision of an East Asia Community”, he added, “sincerely hope that ERIA will help us in achieving this reality”.

 

4 Speakers (listed below) made a presentation respectively. A lively Q&A session also conducted during the meeting. Participants shared the vision and thoughts towards an economically integrated East Asia. Next meeting will be held on August 9, 2010.

 

Topic 1 : “Comprehensive Asia Development Plan” by Prof. Fukunari Kimura, Chief Economist, ERIA

Topic 2 : “Urbanization in Asia” by Prof. Tay Kheng Soon, Akitek Tenggara, Singapore

Topic 3 : “Development of Myanmar as the new Rice Bowl of Asia” by Prof. Lau Sim Yee, Reitaku University, Japan

Topic 4 : “ASEAN Youth” by Mr. Anselm Chu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Global Youth Congress International (It’s a project to promote greater awareness on ASEAN among our younger generation.)