Indonesia Pushes for Stronger ASEAN-Japan Collaboration
President Jokowi attended Session 3 of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation with the theme “Heart to Heart Partners Across Generation”, at The Okura Hotel, Tokyo, Japan, Sunday (12/17). (Photo: BPMI)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has called for measures to boost collaboration between ASEAN and Japan in the face of the transformation of the Industrial Revolution 5.0.
“For the past 50 years, ASEAN-Japan have joined ranks to strengthen partnerships and unite the people through scholarship programs and youth and cultural exchanges. However, the challenges ahead will be increasingly complex,” said the President on the 3rd session of the Commemorative Summit for the 50th Year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation at The Okura Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, Sunday (12/17).
For this reason, the President raised several issues to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and Japan, one of which measures to improve quality of talent through educational cooperation and research development according to priorities between countries.
“We must continue to strengthen network of young businesspeople and startups and be prepared to accelerate the development of digital economy and strategic industries such as manufacturing and semiconductors,” he said, adding that the ease of people mobility also needs to be improved, one of which through language training assistance to mutual recognition for skills and academics.
“In 2030, ASEAN workforce is projected to reach 385 million people. This can be used to meet the demands for workers, both skilled and professional, in Japan,” he added.
The Head of State also underscored that cooperation in the tourism sector and technological innovation must be promoted to boost economic growth in the region.
“We also need to continue to improve tourism sector and technological innovation to encourage mutual understanding and economic growth in the region,” he said, while expressing belief that the long-standing Japan – ASEAN relations across generations and from heart to heart can bridge differences in a divided world.
“The bridge to peace and prosperity for mankind. That’s what we are,” he remarked. (BPMI) (EST/EP)
