ASEAN-Japan Centre will reach its 40th anniversary on May 25, 2021. Taking this opportunity, we would like to thank you all for your kind support and understanding throughout all these years.
Thank you, ASEAN Secretariat and the Member States of the AJC for the kind messages.
Masataka Fujita / Secretary General
“I appreciate very much commemorative statements from all member states, all of which put our mind back at the time of establishment of 40 years ago. We renew our commitment again to strengthening further the relationship between ASEAN and Japan…Opening the Centre with only six Member States (five original ASEAN Member States and Japan) in 1981 was meant for a new chapter for ASEAN and Japan in exploring, deepening and widening their relationships. The membership expanded fully to 11 countries by 2006. The past 40 years of achievements led the Centre to where it stands now, and it should listen to the voices from Member States and stakeholders, and respond to them sincerely.”
ASEAN Secretariat
H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi / Secretary-General ASEAN Secretariat
“Since its establishment in 1981, the Centre continues to play an important role in nurturing ASEAN-Japan relations that was founded on the “heart-to-heart” partnership enshrined in the Fukuda Doctrine. By conducting a large number of projects and activities, the Centre promoted exports, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges that have contributed greatly to the deepening of ASEAN-Japan relations, as well as enhancing mutual understanding and friendship amongst our peoples. For these efforts, I wish to convey ASEAN’s deep appreciation.”
the Member States of the AJC
Dr. May Fa’ezah Ahmad Ariffin / Council Director for Brunei Darussalam
“AJC has also played a tremendous role in its efforts to nurture a conducive environment in the region and as a nexus for trade, investment, tourism and exchanges to prosper not only between Brunei Darussalam and Japan but also within the region. I am confident that AJC will continue to become the centre of excellence for the promotion of trade and investment between ASEAN and Japan. This can be further enhanced by the rapid development of technology and digitalization.”
H.E. Mr. Sim Vireak / Council Director for the Kingdom of Cambodia
“Cambodia expresses appreciation to the ASEAN-Japan Centre for its extensive roles and accomplishments. We are optimistic that, with the active contribution of ASEAN-Japan Centre, the dialogue relations between ASEAN and Japan will further reach new height. We would encourage the Centre to continue its path as an added value to further cementing the ASEAN-Japan relations. With collective efforts and hand-in-hand partnership, ASEAN and Japan can overcome any challenges, including the current COVID-19 pandemic and proactively contribute to the building of a shared future that is more sustainable, prosperous and resilient.”
Mr. Kasan Muhri / Ex-Coucil Director* for the Republic of Indonesia
*Mr. Didi Sumedi is the CD since 4 May 2021.
“Looking back 40 years since the establishment of the Centre in 1981, many programs have helped prmote trade, tourism, and invement in ASEAN member countries, particularly Indonesia, to the Japanese businesses. Economic interdependence between ASEAN and Japan has been steadily increasing, making ASEAN Japan’s second-larest trade partner. Private direct investment from Japan to ASEAN Member Countries over the past ten years has reached a substantial level further demonstrating the close economic linkages between ASEAN Member Countires and Japan.”
Mr. KOBAYASHI Kenichi / Council Director for Japan
“Japan highly values the Centre’s great contribution in strengthening the relationship between Japan and ASEAN.
Over forty years, the Centre has promoted trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges which have become the foundation of our relationship. As our relationship has evolved over time, the challenges we face have also changed. I hope that the Centre will take this opportunity to enhance its value to the region.”
Mr. Latsamy Keomany / Council Director for Lao PDR
“The Lao PDF highly values the important role and invaluable contribution contributed by the ASEAN-Japan Centre for the past four decades. These support and cooperation extended are well in line with ASEAN and Lao PDR’s pressing needs and priorities, including Covid-19 pandemic response, trade and investment as well as people to people linkages promotion.”
Mr. Mohd Zahid Abdullah / Council Director for Malaysia
“Without doubt, we have successfully worked hand-in-hand in promoting exports from ASEAN Member States to Japan as well as revitalizing investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges for the past 40 years. I am optimistic that the synergy that we have established thus far will be further strengthened through our strategic collaboration in the coming years as we navigate through these difficult times together to recover from the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
H.E. Mr. Soe Han / Council Director for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
“Taking this opportunity, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Government and the people of Japan for its support, to the ambassadors of the ASEAN member states for their cooperation, to the Secretary-General and its staffs of the AJC for their relentless efforts for the success of the AJC’s vision and mission.
I am confident that our continued efforts will further strengthen the strategic partnership between ASEAN and Japan in the years to come.”
Mr. Robespierre L. Bolivar / Council Director for the Republic of the Philippines
“Throughout the last four decades, the AJC has increased goodwill and cooperation among ASEAN Member Countries and Japan, both in the government and private sector spheres.
The AJC has also provided an excellent platform for ASEAN Embassies in Tokyo to feature the best that our countries can offer in terms of trade, tourism, and culture.
Bilaterally, Japan is the Philippines’ foremost political, economic, and development partner and the AJC has played a crucial role in strengthening this enhanced strategic partnership.”
Ms. Eunice Koh / Council Director for the Republic of Singapore
“The ASEAN-Japan relationship has evolved and AJC has played a unique and important role in fostering this special relationship and promoting partnerships amongst companies of the countries. Our engagement has become wide-ranging, with cooperation activities in areas such as trade facilitation, infrastructure, energy, innovation and technology. In the recent year, dialogues and cooperation initiatives on the digital economy have also taken place. Singapore, together with ASEAN, will continue to cooperate and enhance stronger trade and investment ties with Japan.”
Mr. Somdet Susomboon / Council Director for the Kingdom of Thailand
“The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), would like to convey our heartfelt appreciation to our members for being the main driving forces behind AESAN-Japan’s strong cooperation trade for the past 40 years. In accordance with our efforts contribute to enhance the economy and trade between Japan and the ASEAN Member Countries which is a part to assist public and private sectors including entrepreneurs to be able to achieve the objectives effectively. Hereafter, DITP is looking forward to the coming decade of continuing support and close cooperation with all of you.”
Mr. Vu Ba Phu / Council Director for the Socialist Republic of Viet nam
“Over the past 40 years, AJC has devoted its efforts to support ASEAN member countries on promoting cooperation in the field of trade, investment and tourism. The programs and activities organized by AJC continues to receive high results and positive feedbacks from SME participants as well as government officials. Given this ocassion, I would like to congratulate and express my sincerest gratitude to AJC’s strong leadership and passionate team members.”