Preliminary Summary of the Public Session
March 14, 1997
Director-General of the Cultural Affairs Department Yasukuni Enoki welcomed participants and the public to the Public Session. The Asia-Europe Young Leaders Symposium, he said, was designed to teach the future leaders of Asia and Europe. It was a direct result of a proposal by Prime Minister of Japan Ryutaro Hashimoto. He outlined the sequence of events for the public session, then introduced State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura.
State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Masahiko Koumura also described the significant role Japan played in facilitating this symposium, from its inception to its conclusion. The symposium was important because even though the two regions have a long history of relations with each other, they have very different backgrounds, influences and cultures that must be kept in mind. Now that multimedia and telecommunications advances are making inter-regional relations easier, he said cooperative relations are needed on a greater basis. Europe and Asia are developing mutual interest in each other, with European nations now discovering the economic benefits and cooperating with Asia, and Asia also developing its relations with Europe. Mr. Koumura said the main theme of his address was Asia-Europe relations in the context of Europe-Japan relations. In recent years, Mr. Koumura said, Japan-Europe relations had been very important, coinciding with the growing importance of Asia. He observed that points of common interest between the two are increasing. Last autumn, in fact, was the European season in Japan-Europe relations, when these relations were intensely promoted through receiving State Guests and finalizing bilateral agreements with the United Kingdom, Germany and France. These agreements emphasized cooperation in a wide variety of fields. But these relations have to be promoted within the whole context of the Asian community, he noted. Activities of ASEM and ASEF will further highlight these cooperative efforts and increase their numbers. Until recently, Asia-Europe relations had been the weak link in the trilateral relations among Asia, Europe and North America. These relations are indispensable. ASEM can strengthen the crucial relations between Asia and Europe. Even if Asian measures don't match the efforts of the European Union, Asia is still taking steps to build community among Asian nations, particularly through ASEAN, an excellent model of economic cooperation and leadership. Prime Minister Hashimoto visited these nations in January to urge them to conduct relations cooperatively with Europe. Mr. Koumura said this is a sign of a productive future relationship between the two regions. Asia-Europe cooperation is becoming significant not only with global issues such as pollution, but also in regional issues. As a result, Japan contributes to efforts such as peace-making in the former Yugoslavia, financially and with personnel assignments. Asia-Europe partnerships after all are based on person-to-person relationships, so the role played by exchanges is critical. This symposium was especially significant because it forms a bridge between this century and the next, and these participants are expected to play important roles in the futures of their nations and regions. Next year's symposium will be held in Austria, and Mr. Koumura said he hopes the achievements of this symposium will make a lasting impression and be a good model for symposia in future years.
Mr. Enoki announced that Former Prime Minister of Sweden Ingvar Carlsson, a keynote speaker at the Symposium, was present in the audience. Mr. Enoki introduced himself and said that he had a very strong personal interest in Asia-Europe relations, particularly Japan-Europe relations. Then he introduced the panelists: Executive Director of the Asia-Europe Foundation Tommy Koh and workshop chairpersons Ms. Solange Simons, Mr. Alexander Magno, Mr. Yorizumi Watanabe, Mr. Petros Liacouras, Mr. Mohd. Shafie bin Haji Apdal, Mr. Jean-Marie Bouissou and Mr. Laurent Sorbier.
Mr. Koh began the panel discussion by summing up the events of the past week. He expressed his gratitude for being able to co-sponsor the symposium on behalf of ASEF. The symposium broke new ground by gathering young leaders from Asia and Europe who quickly forged relationships with each other and had open discussions. Two inspiring keynote speakers, Mr. Carlsson and Dr. Han Sung-Joo, the former Prime Minister of Korea, really opened the symposium and set the tone for the week's activities. In the wake of growing cultural, political and economic tides, the symposium participants recognized that their regions must strengthen relations with each other while still acknowledging the role that the United States plays in global affairs. In the three fields of culture, politics and economics, there is tremendous potential for cooperation among a wide variety of professions, he said. Asia and Europe cannot ignore the rest of the world, however, because global communications have made the world a global neighborhood, he explained. Mr. Koh concluded that the two regions must join forces to help each other and help make the world a better place.
Mr. Enoki pointed out that Asia and Europe are not monolithic regions. Within each, there is great diversity, he said. He asked Mr. Watanabe, chair of the WTO workshop and economics brainstorming session, to begin the panel discussion.
Mr. Watanabe started by describing points of divergence between the two regions. There are very distinct patterns of economic development, he said. Europe is very formalistic, very institution-driven, he said. Asian economies, however, are less institutional and more market-driven in their economic integrations. Rule-making is another divergent point. In the post-war period, typically, Europe and the United States have established the rules, while Asia has been seen as the so-called trouble-maker, Mr. Watanabe said. He said the textile market is one example. Asian countries then often appeal to GATT to resolve western export restrictions. Pollution is another area in which the West sets the rules and Asia is seen as breaking them, he said, noting that Europe has focused on former colonies in Africa, becoming aware of Asia only recently, since the economic boom in the 1980s. Asia has been dependent on American and European markets, Mr. Watanabe said. Investment is yet another area of different patterns. But both have been very successful because both have been linked to the world market, he said, adding that the more linked to the world market a nation is, the more prosperous it becomes. Mr. Watanabe then described ways in which the two regions are similar. Asia, for example, has become more institution-driven, with interest in organizations like APEC, while Europe has become more open-minded, he said. Rule-making has started to become a more collective exercise, he noted. There are now common objectives that the two regions share, and both regions are willing to cooperate to achieve them, working through the framework of ASEM and the WTO.
Ms. Simons added points regarding culture, saying that they cannot be categorized in the same manner as economic differences can be summarized. Recognizing the particulars of cultural identity is crucial to a partnership between the two regions, she said. Cooperation is based on communication, which can be better informed by a mutual cultural awareness, she said. Her workshop decided that knowledge provides the tools for better understanding of specific aspects of communication, since it makes people more comfortable in speaking with each other and makes them aware of each other's differences.
Mr. Mohd. Shafie bin Haji Apdal said participants recognize there are problems within ASEM, but the organization is still an important vehicle for communication. Participants gained a better understanding of each other and each other's cultures in the symposium, paving the way for more productive cooperation.
Mr. Magno, chairperson of the Welfare workshop, added that the distinction between Asia and Europe is misleading. Instead, he made the distinction between mature and young societies. Mature societies have aging populations, which creates different welfare needs because of the difference in the balance between the active population and the elderly, he said. There are still points of divergence between Europe and Asia on this issue, he noted. Mr. Magno said that Europe is moving away from public-sector-based welfare and soliciting the help of private corporations and volunteer groups. Asia is making the same move, simply from a different starting point, he explained. However, Mr. Magno said other distinctions are artificial. Both cultures seek the same goals and have the same needs to fulfill.
Mr. Enoki noted that Mr. Magno's point about rapidly aging societies being distinct from rapidly growing societies was well-taken and relevant to Japan.
Mr. Bouissou, chairperson of the Security workshop and the politics brainstorming session, said he would try to present a provocative viewpoint, since young leaders are supposed to bring a breath of fresh air to old issues. Controversial issues were left out during the workshops sometimes in order to facilitate discussion. However, he said, a healthy relationship between Asia and Europe must include conflict and controversial discussions, especially on values. If young and current leaders do not examine controversial issues, other people will, he said. It is better to take the lead and debate in a responsible way rather than let the media do the job in a provocative manner, he said. In addition, Mr. Bouissou said the relationship between human rights and security is manipulated and its importance is grossly exaggerated. His workshop covered such ground as Japanese war involvement and East Timor. Current security cooperation and inter-regional organizations are not adequate for two regions that have so many common security interests, he said. In Asia and Europe, security is linked to American military presence, which cannot be taken for granted forever, he noted, warning that the two regions cannot rely on an outside monopoly on security.
Mr. Petros Liacouras stressed the link between human rights, democracy and stability. There is a divergence of views on these topics within Asia and Europe, he said, and in the future, these three topics should be discussed in ASEM. Mr. Liacouras said these issues are the context for cooperative relations.
Mr. Sorbier, chairperson of the Multimedia workshop, said multimedia is more than mere technology, it is culture. Developing new values with reference to its use and exploiting its ability to achieve mutual understanding were issues his workshop tackled. Asia and Europe approach the cultural ramifications of multimedia very differently. Asians were less preoccupied with the pervasiveness of English on the Internet, while Europeans were more concerned about reflecting culture through language on the Internet. Many Asian countries view the extensiveness of infrastructure needed to implement multimedia as a threat, while Europeans wonder whether monitoring this situation would constitute a violation of free speech. The workshop determined that multimedia growth is the key to future economic growth. Informational structures are far cheaper than physical infrastructure, and therefore developing Asian countries should concentrate their resources on developing multimedia, European participants said. On the other hand, other participants, Asian and European alike, said this would create a gulf between information-rich and information-poor countries, a gulf between those financially equipped to develop an information infrastructure and those that are not. The workshop also determined that there are many ways and reasons for the two regions to work together.
Mr. Enoki noted that the Internet has played a large role in the symposium, helping solicit views from virtual participants around the world.
Mr. Koh responded to some chairpersons's comments on the value of ASEM, pointing out that the organization was only a year old. He agreed that avoiding discussions about controversial issues would stifle cooperation between the regions. However, the ten Asian countries had different views on political dialogue, he said. Some were keen on beginning this dialogue, while other countries were reluctant to enter into such discussions at this time. Differences are not absolute, but contextual and relevant to time and place, he noted, and historical backgrounds of nations must be taken into account. He favored political dialogue but advised consideration of national backgrounds.
Mr. Enoki asked his second question of participants: What can Asia learn from Europe and what can Europe learn from Asia?
Mr. Bouissou answered that Europe made the most significant contribution to world peace by ensuring the prevention of conflict. Asia and Europe must actively support and strive to improve regional and international peace-keeping organizations, he said. He added that military process is not the only issue in security. Instead, Europeans must make the best use of the Japanese example of the concept of global security. Economic development, he said, has its negative points. It can lead to a loss of identity which stimulates aggression.
Mr. Magno cautioned participants about looking at the future through the window of the past. There are new economic and trade realities, he said, explaining that more acts of aggression are committed in the stock market than through war. There are two large traditions, rule-making and consensus-building, but this dichotomy is not the real problem, he said. What is needed is new techniques of governing and diplomacy that build on deep traditions of consensus and trust.
Mr. Sorbier described the crucial impact multimedia will have on future development. The traditional hierarchies are called into question, and flexible systems are favored, he said. Cooperation will become more important than hierarchy, which will have a major impact, Mr. Sorbier said.
Mr. Enoki asked Mr. Watanabe to elaborate on issues raised by this question.
Mr. Watanabe was inspired by Mr. Bouissou's comment on considering security in the context of economic relations. There are many organizations dedicated to Trans-Atlantic issues, he cautioned. For instance, across the Atlantic, there is a movement towards a free trade zone, he said, urging Asians in particular to consider ASEM as a vehicle for engaging issues regarding developing trans-Atlantic ties.
The third question Mr. Enoki asked was about ways of cooperation in the 21st century. He acknowledged the importance of diversity to further Asia-Europe cooperation.
Ms. Simons asked how the young generation can be prepared to face the challenge of economic and technological issues. Individual projects have already been implemented by universities, individuals and programs, she said. While these are important, they need to be implemented on a global level, particularly for children, who should experience cultural differences early in life, Ms. Simons said. Youth camps are one way in which young people can be practically prepared in a very short period of time for a way of life different from their own, she said. Another method of cultural instruction she described was language program development starting from junior high school, preparing them for communication and opening their eyes to diversity. At the undergraduate university level, exchange programs are vital, she added, because these are immersion programs exposing students to many other people. She urged the creation of a network of exchanges. Post-graduates should be sponsored on six-month corporate exchanges between Asia and Europe and research must also be encouraged to supplement touristic approaches with in-depth immersion, she said. She concluded by emphasizing the importance of artistic exchanges, since an appreciation of art can transcend other backgrounds and foster a deep understanding of each region's values.
Mr. Enoki complimented the comprehensive approach Ms. Simons had taken toward her material.
Mr. Liacouras added other points to the discussion. He said the first step that must be taken is a coordination of projects. In addition, this coordination must take place in a variety of areas, not just politics and economics, but in the areas that enrich people's lives, and ASEM should encourage these efforts, he said. Participants in his workshop suggested working groups to handle different activities within ASEM and the establishment of a permanent secretariat. ASEM, Mr. Liacouras said, faces a new challenge for international cooperation. It is not the single solution to partnership issues, but a good first step.
In a response to a statement Mr. Liacouras made, Mr. Koh emphasized ASEM's mission as a meeting of 25 countries, not a bloc-to-bloc meeting. He acknowledged the deep involvement of the European countries in the European Union and its ongoing policy coordination, but stressed the individual importance of each ASEM member country.
Mr. Sorbier suggested the implementation of a vast corporate database to be maintained by ASEM to facilitate research and partnerships.
Mr. Mohd. Shafie bin Haji Apdal identified the role private corporations can play in welfare. He suggested establishing welfare organizations funded by the government but directed by retired corporate executives, as well as implementing more student-to-student exchanges.
Mr. Magno added that while it might be politically correct to say private corporations should play a role in public service, the real responsibility for ASEM lies with governments. Governments must get ASEM moving as quickly as possible, he said, and the best way to do so is to break down ASEM goals into 25 tasks, assigning one task to each country. This step would bypass bureaucracy and concentrate responsibility in the hands of individual countries.
Mr. Watanabe mentioned that his workshop had agreed that recourse should not be made to unilateral trade sanctions because this is detrimental to the multilateral trading system. His workshop had also advocated the creation of an ASEM-maintained database of barriers to trade, one that would be of great value for small and medium enterprises in particular. He also stressed each region's need for the other.
Mr. Enoki thanked the panelists and announced a 15-minute coffee break.
After the break, Mr. Enoki opened the floor to questions.
Q: Reacting to what Mr. Watanabe and Mr. Magno said, we should not forget that economics is not an end but a means. Of course Asia has developed in a different way, but economics is not an end in itself. Looking at points of divergence and convergence was not the approach adopted by many participants. Things are in fact more complex than that. The dichotomy is misleading and gives the impression of a bloc-to-bloc meeting, but that isn't the idea of ASEM. It is not necessarily true that Europeans are so-called rule makers and Asians are so-called rule breakers. Our work should concentrate on shared objectives, because as Mr. Koh said, we live in a shrunken neighborhood. We have local and regional issues that impact each other and global issues to face. Global governance does not always mean rule as we know it; it's far more complex than just a treaty.
Mr. Enoki: It's very relevant to point out that complexity.
Mr. Watanabe: I fully agree on the point of rule-makers versus trouble-makers. I mentioned this as an example of the past. We should know the background. The rule-making exercises recently have been more collective enterprises. I think there was a misunderstanding.
Q: I have met many European participants who live in Asia, and vice-versa. I think that's because there's already so much mutual understanding. Living in another culture gives us understanding and knowledge. We have to understand that though we have been given the title of young leader, we are not currently in charge of our respective governments. What if ASEF put forward the idea that our prime ministers should exchange? What if Europeans worked side-by-side with their counterparts in Asia, and vice-versa? It is difficult sometimes to transfer this tacit knowledge without such exchanges. I realize everyone can think of at least three reasons why this cannot work, and I challenge Tommy Koh to make it work.
Mr. Koh: I appreciate the wisdom behind the question, but I think it would be more practical to lower our sights to another level. It is very hard to get prime ministers to take time off from their posts. Perhaps the first secretary of the cabinet is a more practical goal. One of the challenges of ASEF is to think of concrete ways to encourage young Europeans to study, work and live in Asia. I frankly don't think I can convince my prime minister to live and work at the Hague, and I don't think you could do it either.
Q: I'm not asking a question, but I'd like to make some comments for consideration. Personally, I hope that this symposium will continue and if possible try not to be politics and security-oriented. It would be impossible for us to talk comprehensively about security. We don't have the power to make decisions. Also I suggest that we make use of the Internet provided by this symposium. Finally, we need a permanent secretariat either in Japan or Austria. I'm afraid that because of Japan's prosperity, it will become part of Europe and not part of Asia.
Mr. Enoki: It is premature to have a permanent secretariat. However, to maintain this network, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make efforts to maintain it for a period of one year until the next symposium, through perhaps publishing an alumni newsletter and other means.
Q: I would like to offer some comments on the confusing theme as to whether ASEM is an intergovernmental conference. I agree with Mr. Koh, that it should be. Perhaps some European and Asian countries will have closer opinions than countries within each region. There is a perception that ASEM is a bloc-to-bloc forum. How do we get away from it? Working projects uniting Asians and Europeans could help break that perspective, as well as business forums. In the event that there is a non-EU country entering, the strict region-to-region bias may dilute. I was wondering whether Mr. Koh or Mr. Liacouras have any further comments.
Mr. Koh: I agree with what you said and you said it so eloquently, I have nothing to add.
Mr. Liacouras: There is a tendency to have this perception. Of course, it is correct that this is a meeting of 26 partners. But when you have this meeting, regional issues are discussed.
Mr. Koh: The European Commission has been given its own seat in recognition of the power EU countries have invested in it. It does not suggest that this is a bloc-to-bloc meeting.
Q: We consider that in the post-Cold War era it would be easier if the three regions intervened. We should have a regional consultation forum. It is not an organization. Both these regions are in a deep transition process. I would consider it important if the Europeans and Asians would give more consideration to how they see the future of their own regions. We certainly have very common objectives.
Q: I think this symposium is a time of renewal. As good global neighbors, I think we must build new bridges for the 21st century. Since Indonesia and Portugal don't have relations, I want as a Portuguese academic to extend a hand to Indonesians and ask them to help find a solution on East Timor. I think it is the right thing to do and I think this forum is appropriate place for this.
Q: These young leaders have to pinpoint the direction for the 21st century. As a Japanese, I have participated in this, and it seems to be meaningful. It is my heartfelt hope that this symposium will continue. In which direction do we want to lead this planet? I hope future discussions will look at this point. I hope that young leaders gathered here will find that direction. Education, particularly for the children, is important, and exchanges are also important. I hope these discussions will be frank and open.
Mr. Enoki: We have two comments from the Internet. The first is from a student in the United States. The symposium is very interesting, but the time difference makes real-time Internet participation difficult. However, further advance publicizing of the symposium would go far to increase cooperation.
Another is from a person from Germany. I agree that Asians know more about Europe than Europeans know about Asia. In all my years of school, only one history lesson was devoted to China and Japan. Other countries were only discussed in the context of colonialism. We learn much more about the U.S. Media reports are written by people who know little about Asia. I think the establishment of an Asia-Europe University would help rectify this problem.
Q: I feel I need to speak as someone from Asia who has lived most of her life in Europe. We as young leaders who have the ability to explore without the restriction of political responsibility, have the freedom to discuss anything. Once we become old leaders, we will probably have to pay more attention to constituencies and votes. But now we can afford to be adventurous. I also have a question for the organizers. Are you planning to build a core group of people, which means the same people will be meeting over again to form a network? Or will you recruit new members?
Mr. Enoki: I wonder if I am the right person to reply. Perhaps the right person is the representative from Austria.
A: To keep this open-minded, we shouldn't have a lot of rules. We should widen the pyramid of participants. But at the time, there is no precise answer available. We have discussed the possibility of inviting many of the same participants back again and inviting as many new participants as possible to give the symposium a foundation.
Mr. Enoki: This message is very well communicated.
Q: We would like to come up on this stage with another list of suggestions. During the past four days all of us have experienced intense interaction with each other. This symposium is a direct result of the new relations between Asia and Europe, which we hope will continue.
We want to thank the co-hosts and co-organizers of this symposium: The Asia-Europe Foundation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A big thanks also to the Secretariat of the symposium for their very good administrative work. We have all experienced the warm hospitality of the people of Miyazaki Prefecture. We should also give them a very warm thank you. In fact, I would like to make a proposal. I think this first symposium should be remembered, with your approval, as the Miyazaki Symposium. We should also honor what Dr. Carlsson and Dr. Han have done for us. Of course, there are also other people who have worked behind the scenes. But I also think we the participants should thank each other. We should also not forget that the heads of government have done all the work for this symposium. We should give them a big hand.
Our leaders in Bangkok have given us a great inheritance, but also a great responsibility.
Next year will be Austria's turn, but for our Japanese hosts I should say arigatou. And I hope that next year's symposium organizers will have luck and we hope to see you there.
Mr. Enoki: May I adjourn? Thank you very much for your participation.
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