In the morning session, the ASEAN economic ministers attended a consultation meeting with Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, and a dialogue with the Federation of Japanese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN. At the talks, the South-east Asian officials called upon Japan’s support in developing human resources and helping small and medium-sized enterprises join the global supply chain. Japan is currently one of ASEAN’s most important investors, accounting for 15 per cent of total FDI in the bloc.
The ASEAN economic ministers also held talks with partners from the Republic of Korea, China, Australia, New Zealand and India.