(Provisional Translation)
Statement by Her Excellency Makiko Tanaka,
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan on the occasion of the PMC (ASEAN+10), July 26, 2001
1. Cooperation to Support ASEAN Integration and Assist ASEAN in Narrowing the Development Gap
1.1 ASEAN recently became "ASEAN 10", covering the whole area of Southeast Asia and it is increasing its importance as a group. At the same time, ASEAN faces various challenges including a development gap between the new and original member countries. It is an urgent matter to strengthen integration by narrowing this gap. Japan considers development of ASEAN as an entity extremely important for peace and prosperity in East Asia. Based on this view, Japan is actively helping with the "Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI)" which ASEAN is putting forward.
It is Japan's view that the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) should be a wide-ranging concept. The main point of the concept is, of course, to support the new member countries. But other efforts should also be included in the "IAI". Moreover, this initiative may include not only economic but social and other aspects.
Japan therefore thinks it necessary for ASEAN countries to show their own initiatives in taking a comprehensive approach toward IAI.
1.2 Four fields on which Japan puts priority
1.2.1 Human Resources Development
First, human resources development is one of the most important basic areas for IAI. Japan will support human resources development in ASEAN in a wide-ranging manner, such as capacity building for economic development and supports through the ASEAN Secretariat.
1.2.2 IT
Second, it is important to bridge the "digital divide" between the new and original member countries and to make efforts so that everyone can benefit from IT. From this point of view, Japan intends to assist actively in the realization of "e-ASEAN." In addition, Japan has been realizing the "Comprehensive Cooperation Package to Address the International Digital Divide" putting emphasis on cooperation with Asia. I think it necessary for new member countries to draw up their own strategies for creating IT society.
1.2.3 Mekong Basin Development
Third, Japan attaches great importance to the Mekong Basin Development. Cross-border infrastructure building and human resources development will help to bridge the gap among ASEAN countries and thus contribute to the consolidation of ASEAN integration. The Japanese Government has just dispatched to riparian countries a joint mission with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) from 15th to 21st July and reaffirmed the current situation and the needs of each country. Based on the outcomes of this mission, Japan intends to study what kind of measures it should take to contribute to the sustainable development in the Mekong Basin.
1.2.4 Transnational Issues
Fourth, CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam) countries are each confronted with "transnational issues", such as drugs and infectious diseases. These issues hamper economic and social development in a serious manner and prevent ASEAN integration. It is therefore necessary to take international measures to tackle these issues and Japan is willing to cooperate with ASEAN in doing so.
As for the drug issue, Japan appreciates the proposal to organize a "Summit Meeting against Drugs" made by the Indochinese countries and China. Japan has already been cooperating through various measures such as the dispatch of anti-drug-measures experts to the Indochinese countries and intends to continue its active cooperation in this area.
Infectious disease issue including AIDS is serious in Asia, including the CLMV countries. Japan has been taking various support measures under the "Okinawa Infectious Diseases Initiative" which was announced at the Kyushu-Okinawa G8 Summit last year. Japan announced its intention to commit US$ 200 million to the "Global AIDS and Health Fund", the establishment of which was supported at the UN Special Session of the General Assembly on HIV/AIDS and formally announced at the G8 Summit Meeting in Genoa. Japan intends to work with G8 and others relevant countries to make the Fund operational by the end of this year. We know that ASEAN will hold a special session on AIDS during the ASEAN Summit Meeting in November. Japan would like to strengthen its cooperation with ASEAN in this respect.
1.3 Principles of Japan's cooperation in promoting IAI
Next, I would like to draw your attention to two more points related to the promotion of cooperation for IAI.
1.3.1 Joint cooperation to the third countries with Singapore, etc.
First, Japan encourages ASEAN's self-assisting efforts and thus highly appreciates the active role that Singapore and other ASEAN countries are playing in promoting IAI. Japan has been cooperating with Singapore and other ASEAN countries to support CLMV countries. Japan intends to further promote such cooperation.
1.3.2 Support through ASEAN Secretariat
Second, Japan has been implementing human resources development of officials and the donation of IT equipment to the Foreign Ministries of CLMV countries through the ASEAN Secretariat. Japan will continue its cooperation where appropriate, taking into account the role of the ASEAN Secretariat in this regard.
2. The Asian economy (especially the Japanese economy)
Japan is fully aware that Asian countries are strongly hoping for the recovery of the Japanese economy. Japan is implementing reforms, leaving no area untouched, in line with the belief that "without structural reforms there can be no economic revitalization". Japan hopes that, as a result of such reform efforts, the economy will recover and continue to contribute to the growth of Asian economy.
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