Singapore, 30 Agustus 2018: ERIA celebrated its 10th anniversary with the Economic Ministers and representatives as well as ASEAN Secretary General, Hon Dato Paduka Lim Jock Hoi, at a cake cutting ceremony on the sidelines of the 50th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings on the 30 August at the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore.

In his opening remarks, Prof Nishimura expressed gratitude for the Ministers’ ongoing support of ERIA’s activities and for cerebrating the 10th anniversary. He also thanked Dato Lim Jock Hoi for his guidance during his six years as Chair of ERIA’s Governing Board.

The Minister for Trade and Industry of Singapore H.E. Mr Chan Chun Sing then spoke, appreciating ERIA’s activities, especially regarding the AEC Blueprint, the five-volume book-set to commemorate the fifty year anniversary of ASEAN, and works on trade facilitation such as ASEAN Trade Facilitation Index (ASTFI),  and the NTM database.

H.E. Mr Hiroshige Seko, Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan, expressed his respect for Prof Nishimura and ERIA’s ‘tireless efforts’ to achieve its three guiding objectives, namely deepening economic integration, narrowing development gaps, and sustainable economic development. He also referred to ERIA’s work with UNCTAD on the NTM Database and with the OECD on the SME Policy Index.

Dato Lim Jock Hoi congratulated ERIA on being recognised as an important think tank globally and emphasised that ERIA is an important partner of ASEAN. Dato Lim also appreciated ERIA’s research and activities to facilitate discussions among policy makers and Prof Nishimura’s continued leadership.