APEC Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Initiative
- Japan's New Assistance Package to South East Asia -

June 2004
Submitted by Japan

1. In the APEC region, where the threat of terrorism remains serious, it is important to develop human resources and strengthen the infrastructure in each APEC economy to counter the threat of terrorism. Especially in the light of ensuring the stability of economic activities in the APEC region, it is essential to secure the safe movement of people, goods, and money. From this perspective, a swift action is called for in the following three areas: a) aviation security, b) port and maritime security, and c) countering terrorism financing.
2. The APEC, especially the Counter-Terrorism Task Force (CTTF), has commenced various efforts in the above three areas for the counter-terrorism capacity building. In order to accelerate the efforts in these three areas, Japan will provide pioneering assistance for the South East Asian region where the pressing need to address these issues exist.

   (1) Assistance to Improve Aviation Security and Port and Maritime Security

   • Japan is preparing to provide security equipment for screening passengers and cargo to 7 airports, and 3 seaports in Indonesia compliant with ISPS code, in order to enhance the security at these airports and seaports, and for the safety of aircrafts and vessels. (Grant aid; the equivalent of $6.8 million)
   • Japan is hosting the Port Security Seminar in South East Asian countries in order to assist the implementation of SOLAS/ISPS code which is to come into effect after 1 July 2004.
   • Japan will hold the Heads of Asian Coast Guard Agencies Meeting in Tokyo in June 2004, in order to build cooperative relations among agencies and share information on maritime security in the Asian region.

   (2) Commitment to the Asian Development Bank RTFSI Fund

   • Japan has committed $1 million to the newly established trust fund within the ADB at the Bangkok APEC Leaders Meeting, which aims to strengthen the capability of the ADB and its borrowing members in the areas of anti-money laundering, combating terrorism financing, and port security.

*In addition, Japan will host the first cooperation program for the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT) in Malaysia. This program, titled Seminar on Prevention and Crisis Management of Chemical Terrorism, is scheduled to be held at the SEARCCT in July 2004, and officials from various Asian countries will be invited.