Message by the Chairman of Japanese Organizing Committee
for ASEAN-Japan Exchange Year 2003

This year is ASEAN-Japan Exchange Year 2003. In order to actively promote this Exchange Year, Japan has established an Organizing Committee consisting of representatives of a wide range of areas, including as business, tourism, broadcasting and media, culture and arts, academics, local government, youth, sports, NGOs and international organizations. Throughout the year, a variety of commemorative events and programmes will be organized and conducted for ASEAN-Japan Exchange Year 2003 in spheres such as politics, economy, security, culture and arts.

ASEAN countries, which experienced the Asian economic crisis in the late 1990s, have made significant efforts to revitalize the economies of the region, in particular the introduction of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). In Japan, under the prolonged recession, rejuvenating its domestic economy through the promotion of structural reform is a matter of urgency. I believe it most significant that a wide range of exchange programmes and activities conducted by Japan and ASEAN will not only contribute to promoting mutual understanding, but will also stimulate their economies.

The year 2003 also marks important occasions and events in the relations between Japan and some of the ASEAN member countries. For example, the year sees the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the ASEAN Cultural Fund, which then-Prime Minister Fukuda devoted his energies to establish, the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and Japan, the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan, and the 40th anniversary of the effectuation of the treaty of amity and commerce between Japan and Indonesia. Taking the opportunity of ASEAN-Japan Exchange Year 2003 taking place in such an important year, I shall be delighted if the peoples of Japan and ASEAN come to feel even closer to each other. I also wish to see Japan and ASEAN strengthen their cooperation in a sincere and open partnership holding the concept of "acting together--advancing together", which was advocated by Prime Minister Koizumi. Your active participation will be indispensable to that end. I earnestly solicit your deeper understanding of, and greater support for, the Exchange Year.

Hiroshi Okuda
Chairman
Japanese Organizing Committee
ASEAN-Japan Exchange Year 2003