Message from the Ambassador of the Republic of Singapore to Japan

The ASEAN-Japan Centre is unique in that it is the only centre of its kind between ASEAN and its many dialogue partners. This testifies to the importance which both ASEAN and Japan attach to each other.

Over the years since its establishment in 1981, the Centre has played an important role in promoting economic ties. It is no coincidence that trade, investment and tourism flows between the ten countries of Southeast Asia and Japan have increased significantly since then.

Various promotion activities organised by the ASEAN-Japan Centre have been instrumental in this regard. For instance, trade exhibitions provide a useful platform for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises from ASEAN countries to explore opportunities throughout Japan for their products as well as to encourage these companies to adopt an international mindset. The Centre has also made efforts to broaden its services and to actively engage ASEAN member countries. For example, by leveraging on the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), the Centre has organised capability development programmes for many ASEAN companies and government officials. This builds a better foundation for companies to do business with Japan, the world's second largest economy.

The ASEAN-Japan Centre is currently undertaking steps to respond to the changing needs of ASEAN and Japan. This new website represents a step in that direction. I am confident that this website will help to further deepen and strengthen the longstanding economic linkages between ASEAN and Japan.

June 2009