TOKYO: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Sunday urged Japan and the member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to collaborate on a 10-year roadmap for new technologies and climate-resilient plans to ensure food security in the region. Speaking during the ASEAN-Japan Commemorative Summit Session 2, President Marcos emphasized the role of Japan in the economic development of Southeast Asia and addressing climate change through the adoption of new technologies.
President Marcos highlighted the importance of embracing new agricultural technologies and crafting a climate change-resilient, sustainable, inclusive, and people-centered ASEAN-Japan Strategic Economic Cooperation Roadmap for the next decade. He emphasized that the Philippines, being one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, is particularly invested in these initiatives.
In terms of sustainable energy security and clean energy use, President Marcos called upon ASEAN member states and Japan to engage in innovative joint ventures aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting renewable energy, and enhancing environmental sustainability.
“I am confident that this partnership will continue to grow and expand with the AJCEP Agreement (ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) and RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) in place,” Marcos said. He further added, “Furthermore, with the recent addition of the ‘ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation Vision’ that recommends the future direction of ASEAN-Japan cooperation, we anticipate an even more vigorous economic relationship.”
President Marcos expressed the Philippines’ eagerness to collaborate with Japan to implement the initiatives outlined in the Future Design and Action Plan for Innovative and Sustainable ASEAN-Japan Economic Co-Creation 2023-2033. He emphasized that the country’s young, dynamic, and skilled population can play a vital role in shaping this vision towards an Industry 4.0 economy.
President Marcos also welcomed new cooperation initiatives with Japan that facilitate the development of robust supply chain strategies against future disruptions and shocks in ASEAN. These initiatives would focus on diversification, digitalization, and risk management.
As the world becomes more interconnected, President Marcos stressed the need for ASEAN to enhance its physical connectivity and digital infrastructure as foundations for sustainable and inclusive economic growth, competitiveness, and resilience. He emphasized the importance of expanding digital literacy to foster innovation and inclusivity, as well as to facilitate the digital transformation of ASEAN and Japan’s economies.
“We would appreciate, in this regard, the continued exchange of technological know-how and best practices between ASEAN-member states and Japan, and investment in human capital and up-skilling through various scholarship programs for ASEAN-member states,” President Marcos added.
Japan holds a significant position as one of ASEAN’s most important Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue partners. The ASEAN-Japan relationship covers various areas such as security, trade and investment, food security, climate action, energy security, supply chain resilience, infrastructure development, and connectivity. Japan is also ASEAN’s fourth-largest trading partner and the fourth-largest source of foreign direct investments for the bloc.
“We look forward to ASEAN and Japan’s continued partnership beyond the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. We have achieved much in the previous 50 years, and I believe the future can be even brighter,” President Marcos stated during the “Heart to Heart Partners across Generations” summit.
President Marcos expressed the Philippines’ anticipation for the implementation of the 2023-2025 ASEAN Cultural Heritage Digital Archives Project and the establishment of the ASEAN Corner in Universities.
Source: The Manila Times
