Asia

December 14, 2013
Japanese
 Japan and the Mekong region countries revised as follows the Action Plan with concrete actions and measures, which had been initially at the Fifth Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting pursuant to the "Tokyo Strategy 2012" adopted at the Fourth Mekong-Japan Summit. 
 
1. Pillar 1: Enhancing Mekong Connectivity

1.1 Actions and measures to implement projects on the way of enhancement of physical, institutional and people-to-people connectivity regarding economic corridors
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the north section of the "Cambodia National Road No. 5 Rehabilitation Project" upon the completion of the study in April 2013, make preparations for implementing the south section, and carry out steadily a study of central section.
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "Project for the improvement of National Road No. 1".
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "Project for 'Construction of Neak Loeung Bridge'" toward its completion in 2015.
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "Sihanoukville Port Multipurpose Terminal Development Project", and support capacity building on terminal operation.
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "Greater Mekong Telecommunications Backbone Network Project".
  •   Japan and Lao PDR will implement steadily the "Project for Improvement of National Road No. 9" (as East West Economic Corridor of the Mekong region).
  •   Japan and Lao PDR completed the "Project for Expansion of Vientiane International Airport in the Lao PDR (Extension of the tarmac, construction of new aircraft taxiways, maintenance of security equipment and lighting equipment)". In addition, Japan and Lao PDR will implement steadily the "Project for Expansion of Vientiane International Airport Terminal in the Lao PDR (including expansion of the passenger terminal building)".
  •   Japan and Lao PDR will implement the "Project for the Modernization of Equipment for Transition to New CNS/ATM Systems"
  •   Japan and Lao PDR welcomed signing the memorandum of cooperation related to roads in September 2013 and will promote a collaborative partnership in sharing technologies and know-how in the road field through seminars. 
  •   Japan will continue to advance steadily the ongoing study regarding the "Vientiane Logistics Park Project" in Lao PDR.
  •   Japan will implement steadily the "Project for Construction of Sekong Bridge on NR16B in the Southern Region of Laos".
  •   Japan and Myanmar welcomed the signing of the memorandum of cooperation related to roads in February 2013, and will promote a collaborative partnership in sharing technologies and know-how in the road field through seminars.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Mandalay-Yangon Railway Improvement Project," for which Japan expresses intention to cooperate in December 2013.
  •   Japan will carry out steadily a study of the development of the East West Economic Corridor between Myawaddy and Mawlamyaing in Myanmar.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will advance steadily preparations for proper operational management at the "Cai-Mep Thi Vai International Port Construction Project".
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Second Transport Sector Loan for National Road Network improvement," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Terminal 2 Construction Project in Noi Bai International Airport" toward its launch in 2015.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will continue the discussion on the possibility of the implementing the following projects:
  1. The construction of linkage road (2.7km) from East - West Highway of Ho Chi Minh city to Ho Chi Minh - Trung Luong Highway.
  2. The upgrade of 17km road linking National Road 19 and National Road 1A. 
  3. The construction of Dai Ngai bridge connecting Soc Trang province and Tra Vinh province.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will continue the discussion on the possibility of developing the following projects: 
  1. The upgrade of Da Nang Seaport (PhaseII) 
  2. Restore of weak bridges (Phase 3)
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will promote a collaborative partnership in sharing technologies and know-how in the road field through seminars.
  •   Japan will continue to implement steadily an ongoing study of the "Long Thanh International Airport Construction Project" in Viet Nam, and examine assistance for the implementation of the project through public-private partnership
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will share information on cooperation implemented by other donors and international organization, especially in infrastructure projects for economic corridor, in order to enhance international collaboration in this area.
  •   Japan will implement a feasibility study on logistics by referring to the survey report on transportation between Bangkok and Hanoi via the Third Mekong Bridge conducted by JETRO. 
  •   Japan will encourage more active inland waterway transport and logistics in the Mekong region through holding of seminars.
  •   Japan implemented capacity building assistance for the Sub-Regional Logistics Training Center in Viet Nam whose development is supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF). Japan will continue to implement capacity building programs in the field of logistics in the Mekong region.
  •   Japan will provide steady assistance for construction of the urban railway "the Bangkok Mass Transit Network in Thailand Project". 
  •   Japan will implement steadily the feasibility study on the "Project for Strengthening Connectivity of International Highway in Mekong" in Myanmar.
  •   Lao PDR will implement steadily maintenance of National Road No. 12 from the Third Mekong Bridge to Lao-Viet Nam border which connects to Vung Ang Seaport based on the study to be implemented by Japan.
  •   Thailand and Myanmar will support the development of Dawei Deep Seaport and the improvement of Connection Road to Thailand.  In this connection, Japan, Thailand and Myanmar held trilateral dialogue in September and November 2013 to examine the possibility of Japanese cooperation for the development of Dawei seaport as well as connection route from Thailand, special economic zone and trade and transport facilitation with a view to enhancing confidence of private sectors.
  •   Thailand and Myanmar will expedite the construction and the maintenance of the route from Myawaddy to Kawkareik along the East-West economic corridor which is part of the Trilateral Highway Project (Thailand-Myanmar-India).
  •   Thailand, Lao PDR and Viet Nam have agreed to include Route No.8 and No.12 as part of East-West Economic Corridor at the 2nd Vice Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Savanakhet province, Lao PDR in May 2013 and will further work to accelerate its implementation.
  •   Thailand welcomed the interest shown by Japan in the high-speed rail way project.
  •   Viet Nam will implement steadily construction of the Expressway from Hanoi to Hai phong Port, as well as work with Japan in advancing the improvement of North-South Expressway and implementing steadily the improvement of National Road No. 1
  •   Viet Nam will promote the initiative to "Enhance Connectivity of Economic Corridors in the Mekong Subregion by Multi-Modal Transport". 
  •   The Mekong region countries will promote the full implementation of Greater Mekong Subregion Cooperation (GMS)- Cross Border Transport Agreement (CBTA).
1.2 Actions and measures for further implementation of Mekong-Japan Economic and Industrial Cooperation Initiative (MJ-CI) 
  •  Japan and the Mekong region countries will implement steadily the "Mekong Development Roadmap" adopted at the Fourth Mekong-Japan Economic Ministers Meeting in 2012. In order to steadily implement priority projects with strong business needs from Japan and the Mekong region countries, Japan and Mekong region countries will hold Mekong-Japan Industry and Government Dialogue annually with the involvement of private sector. Also, Japan and Mekong region countries will hold small dialogue sessions between relevant government agencies and private sectors in each Mekong countries. For the implementation, assessment and revision of the Mekong Development Roadmap, Japan and the Mekong region countries will utilize AEM-METI Economic and Industrial Cooperation Committee Working Group on West-East Economic Corridor Development (AMEICC WEC-WG) as a main coordination body.
1.3 Actions and measures for trade facilitation through customs modernization in the Mekong region, particularly through the implementation of "Asia Cargo Highway" Initiative shared by Japan and ASEAN member countries to realize the seamless flow of goods in Asia by 2020
  •   Customs authorities of Japan and the Mekong region will continue to implement measures and assistance for trade facilitation through customs modernization and capacity building of customs personnel, including the introduction of automated customs clearance systems based on Nippon Automated Cargo and Port Consolidated System (NACCS) in Viet Nam and Myanmar, and its related assistance such as human resource development.
1.4 Actions and measures for development and utilization of  information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and applications in Mekong region, through the implementation of the "ASEAN Smart Network" Initiative
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries discussed details of the "ASEAN Smart Network Initiative" at the ASEAN-Japan Telecommunications and IT Ministers Meeting held in November 2013, in order to realize the "ASEAN Smart Network Initiative" for the solution of social issues by developing and utilizing ICT infrastructure and applications. Building on their discussions, Japan and the Mekong region countries will accelerate the realization of this initiative.
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will implement a feasibility study and pilot projects in the Mekong region to promote and utilize ICT infrastructure and applications, and as well as aim to enhance exchanges and improve the quality of human resources through holding of workshops, bearing in mind the importance of ICT-related human resource development. 
 
2. Pillar 2: Developing Together

2.1 Actions and measures for a sound macro economy
  •   Japan and Lao PDR will implement steadily "the Ninth Poverty Reduction Support Operation" in support of institutional reforms that are being advanced by the Lao government regarding public financial management and social sector development promoted.
  •   Japan will support the establishment of financial and capital markets in Myanmar. In this connection, Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Project for Development of ICT System for Central Banking," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in October 2013. Japan provided supports for enacting Myanmar's Securities and Exchange Law (SELaw), and which was signed by the President of Myanmar in July 2013, and came into operation in August 2013. Japan continues to support to prepare the SELaw's rules and regulations. Japan and Myanmar will also work together closely to build capacity of Myanmar's securities authority as well as financial regulatory and supervisory authority. 
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will cooperate towards creating an "Industrialization Strategy and Action Plan towards 2020" of Viet Nam.
2.2 Actions and measures to enhance industrial development in Mekong region countries
  •   Economic Ministers of Japan and the Mekong region countries will draw a medium- and long-term industry development vision of the Mekong region, in response to the proposal made by 6th Mekong-Japan Industry and Government Dialogue to support the development of an optimal region-wide value chain network by enhancing business connectivity through a grand design and orchestrated trade facilitation measures as well as industry human resource and small and medium business development.
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will examine assistance for improving the power grid interconnection to realize stable power supply in the region, by cooperating closely with concerned organizations such as the Asia Development Bank (ADB). Both sides will continue to propose new cooperation programs to realize the Mekong Japan Action Plan.
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries welcome the following initiatives conducted by JETRO:
  1. Organization of commercial matching to enhance support for industries in Viet Nam
  2. Dispatch of experts towards  food safety and security to strengthen competitiveness of the food industry
  3. Organization of seminars to support local Thai enterprises to make inroad into Japan
  4. Commencement of JETRO's research project titled "ASEAN Economic Integration and the Myanmar Economy", which aims to produce evidence-based policy recommendation for Myanmar's economic reforms and development
  •   Japan and Mekong region countries will enhance knowledge-sharing opportunities on the SME financing systems towards an easier access to finance by local SMEs.
  •   Japan will support enhancement of SMEs by dispatching experts and implementing training courses to enhance supporting industry in the Mekong region
  •   Japan will enhance an eco-friendly approach in the mining industry, by improvement of infrastructure related to major mine reserves in the Mekong region through ODA or other schemes to promote Japanese companies participation in the market in the Mekong region. 
  •   Japan and Mekong region countries welcome that Mekong Institute (MI) work with JICA and NESDB Thailand to initiate "Industrial Estates Standardization Program" in Mekong region.
  •   Japan and Cambodia will proceed with preparations for the "Phnom Penh City Transmission and Distribution System Expansion Project," which Japan announced to assist, in order to improve electricity supply.
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "Project for Improvement of Facility and Laboratory Equipment in the Institute of Technology of Cambodia," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily "Siem Reap Water Supply Expansion Project".
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "Project for Expansion of Water Supply Systems in Kampong Cham and Battambang".
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "Project for Mine Clearance (2nd phase)".
  •   Japan and Cambodia will conduct a dialogue on the "Highway Development between Phnom Penh and Southern Border of Viet Nam" in Cambodia, to work together in logistics sophistication.
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the Master Plan of the "Project for Comprehensive Urban Transport Planning in Phnom Penh."
  •   Japan will provide cooperation toward the introduction of radio monitoring system to contribute to strengthen the system against unlicensed illegal radio in Cambodia.
  •   Japan will provide cooperation for the modernization of automobile inspection and registration system to realize safe and eco-friendly motorization in Cambodia.
  •   Japan will continue joint training programs for the fostering of entrepreneurs in the Mekong region countries through the network of the existing Japan Centers in CLV (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam) countries.
  •   Japan and Lao PDR signed the Exchange of Notes on the "Nam Ngum 1 Hydropower Station Extension Project in Laos" with Lao PDR to enhance electricity supply in May 2013. Both countries will implement steadfastly this project.
  •   Japan and Lao PDR will implement steadily the "Southern Region Power System Development Project" to enhance electricity supply.
  •   Japan and Lao PDR will implement steadily the "Project of Small Hydropower Plants" to improve electricity supply.
  •   Japan will continue to implement steadily the ongoing study of the "Xekatam Hydroelectric Power Project" in Lao PDR.
  •   Japan and Lao PDR will steadily implement the "Nam Ngiep Hydroelectric Power Project" to enhance electricity supply.
  •   Japan will support activities of the clearance of landmines and unexploded ordnance and implement assistance for enhancement of capacity, such as in Cambodia and Lao PDR
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Project for Rehabilitation of Baluchaung No. 2 Hydropower Plant," for which the Exchange of Notes was signed in March 2013 to enhance electricity supply.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Urgent Project for Rehabilitation" of thermal power plants, following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in May 2013.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship" for capacity building of government officials involved in social and economic development in Myanmar, following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in May 2013.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Project for Urgent Improvement of Water Supply System in Yangon City," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in May 2013. Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Project for Improvement of Water Supply System in Yangon", and cooperate closely to modernize water supply in Myanmar.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will cooperate closely for the expansion of engineering education in order to develop human resource for industrial development taking advantage of expertise of Japanese educational institutions.
  •   Japan and Myanmar welcome the signing the Memorandum of Cooperation on Transportation, and promote cooperation, through holding seminars and people-to-people exchange, including transportation technology as well as development, management and operation of relevant infrastructure. 
  •   Japan and Myanmar welcomed the signing of the Memorandum on cooperation in the field of Transportation (railway automobile), and promote cooperation including policy and technology related to land transportation and development, management and operation of infrastructure related to railway transportation.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Project for Improvement of Nationwide Airport Safety and Security," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013, and promote a collaborative partnership on an enhancement of air navigation capability in Yangon FIR.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Project for Upgrading Ferryboat in Yangon City," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will cooperate in the area of construction through the J Vice-Ministerial Level Meeting on Infrastructure Development Cooperation between Myanmar and Japan.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will continue the Japan-Myanmar Policy Dialogue on Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Cooperation, which was held in September 2012 and 2013, and promote cooperation in agriculture, forestry and fisheries with Myanmar.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Food Security Project for Underprivileged Farmers," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in December 2012, the "Project for Strengthening Human Development Institutions in Agriculture," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013 and the "Project for Irrigation Development in Western Bago Region," to which Japan announced to assist in December 2013"
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Project for Urgent Improvement of Communication Networks".
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Project for the Improvement of TV Programs and Broadcast Editing Equipment of Myanma Radio and Television (MRTV)."
  •   Japan appointed Mr. Yohei Sasagawa as Special Envoy of Japan for National Reconciliation in Myanmar in February 2013. Japan will continue to strengthen support to national minorities in Myanmar, such as through the construction of schools, hospitals, roads and agricultural development. Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Project for Provision of Road Construction and Maintenance Equipment in Kayin State," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013, and the "Regional Development Project for Poverty Reduction," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in May 2013 to contribute to work for regional development and poverty reduction by implementing.
  •   Japan will support to strengthen transport and logistics by domestic shipping, including the modernization and replacement of oil tanker fleet in Thailand and providing support for the improvement of passenger ships in Myanmar. 
  •   Japan will consider cooperation of the modernization and development of the postal service and post offices in Myanmar.
  •   Japan will support activities for the developing of the telecommunication infrastructure in Myanmar.
  •   Japan implemented "Public Key Infrastructure for Information Security with the Use of Multi-Agent System" in Myanmar, through Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT).
  •   Japan will implement steadily the "DNS Traffic Analysis for Detecting Malware Infected Hosts" in Myanmar, through the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT).
  •   Japan will support developing social infrastructure with ICT in order to contribute to the economic development of Thailand.
  •   Thailand will explore the possibility with JICA, Japan regarding the capacity building in the field of manufacturing in the Mekong region.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will continue to discuss the possibility of cooperation for development of high-quality universities in Viet Nam including Hanoi National University, Can Tho University, and Japan-Viet Nam University. 
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the project of Mekong Vocational Training Center based on its project proposal.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Ha Noi City Urban Railway Construction Project (Line 1)".
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Ha Noi City Urban Railway Construction Project (Line 2)".
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Construction Project (Line 1)".
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Hoa Lac Science and Technology City Development Project".
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City Railway Line Bridges Safety Improvement Project," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "O Mon III Combined Cycle Power Plant Construction Project (I)," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "O Mon Thermal Power Plant Unit No.2 Construction Project (II)," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Vietnam will steadily implement the "Ninh Tuan 2 Nuclear Power Plant Project" as stated in the Leaders' joint statement of October 2010 and October 2011.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Phan Ri- Phan Thiet Irrigation Project" and "North Nghe An Irrigation System Upgrading Project". 
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Nhat Tan Bridge (Vietnam-Japan Friendship Bridge) Construction Project," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will continue to cooperate on developing urban railway network, supporting the establishment of its operating organization, and supporting the legislation for the inauguration (support for the introduction of IC card ticket system) in Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Project for the Improvement of TV Programs of Vietnam Television," following the completion of the study.
  •   Japan completed the study of the "Ha Noi City Urban Railway Construction Project (Line 5)".
  •   Japan will provide cooperation towards the introduction of electronic government in Viet Nam to contribute to improve administrative efficiency and transparency.
  •   Japan will organize workshops and dispatch experts for individual industries in cooperation with JETRO and other organizations concerned, for enhancement of emerging sectors in the respective countries of the region, such as the food processing industry, garment industry and machinery industry and tourism industry and for the creation of new industries and services. 
  •   Japan will promote to support establishing food value chain from farmers to consumers by collaborating with the private sector. In particular, Japan will contribute to human resource development in areas such as food processing and distribution through partnership with universities in ASEAN countries.
  •   Japan will examine the possibility of assistance for Mekong Institute (MI) regarding its activity to expand private sector development on East-West Economic Corridor and to enhance competitiveness of SMEs in SECs.
2.3 Actions and measures to improve the economic environment for intra-Mekong and foreign investment  
  •   Japan and Mekong region countries will cooperate to develop special economic zones (SEZs) in Mekong countries.
  •   Japan and Mekong region countries welcome JETRO to organize workshops for Japanese and local enterprises in cooperation with relevant government agencies of respective Mekong region countries with a view to enhancing understanding of FTAs.
  •   Japan will implement a training program on Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development of CLMV countries. 
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries welcomed the decision on the opening of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) office in Lao PDR 
  •   Japan and Mekong region countries welcome the various activities to promote trade and investment between them conducted by JETRO, such as promotion of Japanese investment, including investment in the service industry, measures to support development of the supporting and export industries in the Mekong region and the One-Village-One-Product exhibitions. 
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will encourage initiatives for facilitation of　trade and investment conducted by the Japan-ASEAN Centre.
  •   Japan will utilize a special trade and investment finance framework for the improvement of infrastructure in Asia by Nippon Export and Investment Insurance (NEXI), together with Japanese ODA loans and other schemes, to promote private companies to move into the market in the Mekong region.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will continue to cooperate to enable launching the operation of Thilawa SEZ in 2015 by combining the public and private sectors' strengths. In this regard, both countries welcomed the establishment of the Myanmar-Japan Joint Venture in October 2013. 
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Infrastructure Development Project in Thilawa Area" signed the Exchange of Notes in May 2013 toward launching the operation of Thilawa SEZ in 2015.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Infrastructure Development Project in Thilawa Area" signed the Exchange of Notes in May 2013 toward starting the operation of Thilawa Ports in 2015.
  •   Japan and Myanmar expect of the Japan-Myanmar Investment Agreement to be signed shortly and will work together for its early entry into force.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will work together toward the improvement of the investment environment in Myanmar through the Myanmar-Japan Joint Initiative established in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will cooperate in the field of legal systems development including these related to business, and capacity development of business persons through the Japan Myanmar Centre.
  •   Japan will look into assistance for introducing electronic port procedures (introducing Electronic Data Interchange for port).
  •   Mekong region countries will facilitate the implementation of the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA) and ASEAN Framework for Agreement on Services (AFAS) and cooperate closely by organizing seminars on investment to discuss investment laws, regulations and policies.
2.4 Actions and measures to promote public-private cooperation
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will continue to organize regularly the Forum for the Promotion of Public and Private Cooperation in the Mekong Region to strengthen the framework for public and private cooperation, and pursue stronger collaboration between this Forum and the Mekong-Japan Industry and Government Dialogue.
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will continue the existing public-private joint dialogues for the promotion of trade and investment.
  •   Japan will continue to implement the ASEAN-Japan HRD (Human Resource Development) Collaboration Programme for CLMV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam).
  •   Japan will examine assistance for the development of Vientiane Industrial Park in Lao PDR.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Lach Huyen Port Infrastructure Construction Project" toward its proper operation management.
  •   Japan will provide assistance through private sector investment finance for the "Utility Management of Environment-Friendly Industrial Parks and Water Supply Project" in Long An (Viet Nam).
  •   Japan will examine assistance for the "PPP Water Supply System Project in Da Nang" and the "PPP Water Supply System Project in Binh Duong" in Viet Nam, based on the studies conducted on these projects.
2.5 Actions and measures to engage Mekong region countries in the global market economy
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will work together to advance the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations launched in May 2013, following the Chairman's Statement of the 20th ASEAN Summit, based on the "Guiding Principles and Objectives for negotiating the RCEP," and with the aim of concluding the negotiations by the end of 2015.
  •   Japan, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam welcome the accession of Lao PDR to the WTO, and will work to maintain and strengthen of the multilateral trading system.
2.6 Actions and measures to promote cultural exchange and tourism
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will strengthen cultural exchanges in Asia through promoting two-way exchanges and cooperation in the field of arts, culture and sports, as well as Japanese language learning assistance, in order to realize a future where Japan and other Asian countries learn from each other.
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries, bearing in mind the region's diversity, will enhance exchange and cooperation among them in relevant fields such as preservation and restoration of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, based on the result of the recent cultural mission dispatched by Japan to Myanmar. 
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries welcome the promotion by the Mekong Area Tourism Promotion Committee of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) based on the "Action Plan".
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will encourage the Japan-ASEAN Centre to promote activities of tourism in the Mekong region.
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "Restoration Project for the Western Causeway of Angkor Wat," having completed the study of the project.
  •   Japan and Cambodia, Lao PDR will launch and steadily advance negotiations for respective bilateral air services agreements between Japan and these countries. Japan and Myanmar welcomed the substantial agreement on the amendment of the air services agreement and will endeavor to achieve its early entry into force.
  •   The Mekong region countries welcomed that Japan decided to relax visa requirements for all of the Mekong countries this year. Japan and the Mekong region countries will make further efforts for the promotion of people-to-people exchanges.
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will start consideration regarding an air services agreement between Japan and the ASEAN region including the Mekong region countries.
2.7 Actions and measures to strengthen support for the development of CLMV (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam) and the CLV (Cambodia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam) Development Triangle Area
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will continue to accelerate implementation of projects in the Development Triangle, at the borders of Cambodia, Lao PDR, and Viet Nam (CLV countries) by utilizing Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund.
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "Project for Construction and Rehabilitation of Small Hydropower Plants in Rattanakiri Province," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Lao PDR will implement steadily the "Project for Strengthening Health Service Network in Southern Provinces (Attapeu, Champasack, Salawan and Sekong Province)," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Thailand will promote mine clearance in Thai-Cambodian border area by utilizing Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF).
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will explore the possibility of Japan's support to project of building networks of Viet Nam-Cambodia and Viet Nam-Lao PDR border market.
  •   Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Viet Nam will implement the Action Plan adopted at the CLMV Economic Ministers Meeting.  
3 Pillar 3: Ensuring Human Security and Environmental Sustainability

3.1 Actions and measures for disaster management cooperation
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will work together towards the Third World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction to be held in Sendai in March 2015, and formulating a post-Hyogo Framework for Action and the Conference to build societies that are resilient to disasters.
  •   Japan will promote building a network between the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) and disaster management authorities, which contributes to the realization of the concept of the "Disaster Management Network for the ASEAN Region".
  •   Japan will strengthen its cooperation for the AHA centre and its implementation. 
  •   Japan will examine assistance for the "Project for Improvement of Equipment and Facilities on Meteorological and Hydrological Services in Lao PDR".
  •   Japan and Lao PDR will work to strengthen coordination, cooperation and capacity building in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) activities, as the next co-chair countries of the Expert Working Group (EWG) in HADR of the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus). 
  •   Japan and Myanmar will aim to establish the framework of Disaster Management Collaboration Dialogue to deepen cooperation on disaster risk reduction
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Mangrove Rehabilitation Plan for Enhancement of Disaster Prevention in the Ayeyawady Delta," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in April 2012, the "Project for Improvement of Machinery for Rehabilitation of Polder Embankment in Ayeyawady Delta," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in July 2012, and the "Project for Establishment of Disaster Weather Monitoring System," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Thailand will promote an initiative to enhance the collaboration between the Asian Disaster Reduction Centre (ADRC) in Kobe, Japan and the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) in Thailand through measures such as people- to- people exchange.
  •   Japan will implement "Intelligent Mobile Disaster Monitoring and Early Warning Unit with Information System for Administrative Management" in Thailand, through Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT).
  •   Japan and Thailand welcomed the signature of their respective memorandum of cooperation (MOC) in September 2013 to implement Disaster Management Collaboration Dialogue, and will implement steadily the dialogue.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam welcomed the signature of their respective memorandum of cooperation (MOC) in September 2013 to implement Disaster Management Collaboration Dialogue, and will implement steadily the dialogue.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Project for Disaster and Climate Change Countermeasures Using Earth Observation Satellite".
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will promote cooperation with regard to drainage systems, such as measures against flooding in urban area.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Hanoi City Yen Xa Sewerage System Project," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan will support enhancement of overall preparedness against disasters by joining together measures for hard and soft infrastructure.
3.2 Actions and measures for environmental and climate change issues
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will implement steadily and expeditiously the "Action Plan for the 'A decade toward a Green Mekong' Initiative". In this regard, Japan and the Mekong region countries welcomed the Second Green Mekong Forum held in Bangkok in October 2013.
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will cooperate for a　study　on　sustainable　management　and　development　of　the　Mekong　river, including on the impact of mainstream hydropower projects.
  •   Japan will continue to support water resource management through the dispatching of experts to the Mekong River Commission (MRC).
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will accelerate consultations aiming for utilizing policy tools, especially the Joint Crediting Mechanism toward achievement of low carbon growth. In this regard, Japan and the Mekong region welcomed the signing of the bilateral documents on the Joint Crediting Mechanism between Japan and Viet Nam, and Japan and Lao PDR.
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will promote cooperation, building on the outcome of the East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership Dialogue. Regarding the 2nd East Asia Low Carbon Growth Partnership Dialogue held in Tokyo in May 2013, Japan appreciated the attendance and the contribution to discussions from the Mekong region countries including Cambodia serving as co-chair.
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will examine the possibility of cooperation on haze prevention measures.
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "West Tonle Sap Irrigation and Drainage System Rehabilitation and Improvement Project".
  •   Japan will advance preparations for the Irrigation and Drainage Facilities Renovation Project in Southwestern area of Phnom Penh".
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "Forest Preservation Project".
  •   Japan will carry out steadily a study of the project on waste management in Lao PDR.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam welcomes the signing of the "Memorandum of Cooperation for Promoting Implementation of Eco-City Project in Viet Nam" in October 2013, and will work together for early implementation of specific projects.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will promote cooperation in sewage works, such as preservation of water environment, utilization of reclaimed wastewater, and recycling and energy utilization of sewage sludge, based on the memorandum of cooperation in the field of sewage works.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will strengthen cooperative relationships on water resources between both countries through workshops on Integrated Water Resources Management.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will take actions to solve environmental and disaster management issues toward building ICT management system which utilizes sensor network, through organizing ICT workshops on disaster management.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will consider the possibility of countermeasures to the climate change for sustainable agricultural and rural development in the costal area of Mekong Delta 
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the "Support Program to Respond to Climate Change," following the signing of the Exchange on Notes in March 2013.
  •   Viet Nam will explore the possibility of developing projects in areas of eco-friendly industries.
3.3 Actions and measures to contribute to the achievement of human security goals across the Mekong regional countries by 2015, in cooperation with various development partners
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will take concrete measures for maternal　and child health and infectious diseases, with other development partners, to contribute to save approximately 142,000 children's lives, including 80,000 newborns, to save approximately 12,000 maternal lives, to avert approximately 20,000 deaths by AIDS, 16,000 deaths by tuberculosis, and 55,000 deaths by malaria.
  •   Japan will contribute to overcoming the threat of infectious diseases by training young researchers through promotion of research in the area of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases under the "Japan Initiative for Global Research Network of Infectious Diseases".
  •   Japan implemented the "Pilot project for the improved Health & Medical environment with ICT for rural areas in Lao PDR", through the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT).
3.4 Actions and measures to contribute to the achievement of universal health coverage in the Mekong countries
  •   Japan will examine assisting measures towards universal health coverage, such as training to strengthen the health systems.
  •   Japan will support construction of hospitals and clinics in poverty-stricken areas.
  •   Japan will promote the diffusion of preventive healthcare focusing on medical examination and checkup in Mekong region countries.
  •   Japan and Cambodia welcomed the signing of the memorandum of cooperation in the field of healthcare in November 2013, and will promote steady cooperation in the field. Both countries welcomed the decision of building the Emergency Life Saving Center by Japanese private company.
  •   Japan and Cambodia will implement steadily the "Project for Improvement of Sihanouk Province Referral Hospital," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Japan and Lao PDR welcomed the signing of the memorandum of cooperation in the field of healthcare in November 2013, and will promote steady cooperation in the field.
  •   Japan and Myanmar welcome that the memorandum of cooperation in the field of healthcare will be signed, and will promote steady cooperation in the field.
  •   Japan and Myanmar will implement steadily the "Project for Upgrading the Health facilities in Central Myanmar," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in July 2012, and the "Project for Improvement of Medical Equipment in Hospitals in Yangon and. Mandalay," following the signing of the Exchange of Notes in March 2013.
  •   Viet Nam will explore the possibility of developing projects in areas of pharmacy, healthcare and disease treatment.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will strengthen the cooperation in cancer and lifestyle-related diseases prevention.
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will implement steadily the construction of Cho Ray Hospital (2nd location).
3.5 Actions and measures for food security and safety
  •   Japan will continue to enhance food security by reserving rice for aid and in case of urgent situation such as natural disasters in the Mekong region under the ASEAN +3 Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) system. 
  •   Concerning the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS), Japan and the Mekong region countries will establish a self-sustaining mechanism and conduct activities of (i) Food Security database, (ii) Agricultural Commodity Outlook (ACO) and ASEAN Food Security Analysis Reports (AFSAR), (iii) Food Security Early Warning and Preparedness, (iv) Training and Capacity development, and (v) Other New Areas related to the food security information, with the support of other international organizations and development donors by 2015. Japan will continue to support the preparation of mid-long term supply/demand forecast and expansion data items on livestock and feed crops for this purpose.  
  •   Japan will cooperate with Mekong region countries to enhance capacity building on food safety of the region such as quarantine management, inspection and control system, and laboratory analysis. 
  •   Japan and Viet Nam will continue consultation toward assistance for the "Project for providing Test and Examination Equipment for the SPS Center for Ensuring Safety of Agro-Fishery Foods".
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will enhance collaboration to realize food security and sustainable water use through activity in International Network for Water and Ecosystem in Paddy Fields (INWEPF).
  •   Japan will provide assistance for strengthening the ability to respond to infection animal diseases that spread beyond borders such as foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza.
  •   Japan will provide assistance for the harmonization of systems in the ASEAN region through actions such asimplementations of international SPS(sanitary and phytosanitary) standards.  
3.6 Actions and measures for social protection
  •   Japan will continue to support the promotion of social protection policies for the Mekong region countries, in light of the rapid aging of population at the same time as development expected in this region, by holding regular meetings which are aimed at having policy dialogue on social protection for the socially vulnerable including the elderly. 
  •   Japan will continue to support human resource development in the field of social protection by dispatching experts to and receiving trainees from the Mekong region countries via the Japan International Cooperation Agency and other organizations.
  •   Japan will continue to support to develop and improve social safety nets regarding employment and occupational safety and health of the Mekong region countries and to encourage trade unions and employers' associations to participate in policy making process through collaboration with International Labour Organization (ILO), World Health Organization (WHO) and ASEAN.
  •   Japan will continue to support improvement of social protection in the Mekong region countries, by formalization of informal sector together with international workers' and employers' network.
3.7 Actions and measures to support investment (Respect for internal compliance, decent work, respect of environmental evaluation criteria) 
  •   Japan will take actions to improve the capacity of investment facilitation agencies to support investment. 
4 Trans- disciplinary actions and measures
  •   Japan revised "Japan's Indicative Flagship Projects List" presented by Japan at the Fourth Mekong-Japan Summit, and will cooperate with the Mekong region countries to implement the projects. The Mekong region countries will make maximum efforts to realize the projects.
  •   Japan and Thailand welcomed the holding of the 1st Infrastructure Working Group in September 2012 and will continue the discussion.
  •   Japan will contribute, as co-chair of the Infrastructure Sector Working Group in Lao PDR, to promotion of the development of infrastructure, as well as follow up of Japan's Indicative Flagship Projects.
  •   Japan will realize its commitment to the Mekong Region of approximately 600 billion JPY by making use of yen loans, grants and technical cooperation in ODA over three fiscal years (2013-2015).
  •   Japan and Mekong region countries will continue to promote Research Partnership for Sustainable Development Program (SATREPS) to solve global issues involving environment/energy, bioresources, infectious diseases, and natural disaster prevention.
  •   Thailand will realize its commitment of around 883 million JPY for infrastructure development projects and technical assistance in the Mekong region countries as a donor to the development in the region.
  •   The Mekong region countries will take necessary measures to use the Japanese ODA efficiently and effectively.
  •   Japan and Mekong region countries will implement the e-ASIA Joint Research Program to solve global common issues in Asia region. 
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will continue to discuss regional and global issues regularly when they meet, including at the Summit, Foreign Minister, and Senior Official levels. 
  •   Japan resumed JENESYS Programme（Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths）as JENESYS 2.0 to boost exchanges of young people responsible for the future and to promote mutual understanding between Japan and Asian countries including ASEAN. 
  •   Japan will welcome students from Mekong region countries to Japanese universities and other educational institutions, as well as dispatch more students to the Mekong region countries. Japan also supports efforts to form inter-university exchange frameworks between Japan and ASEAN nations including the Mekong region countries through the "Re-Inventing Japan Project", in order to promote university exchanges with quality assurance between Japan and the Mekong region countries.
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will promote Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) through the UNESCO World Conference on ESD in Japan in 2014, at the end of the UN Decade of ESD (DESD).
5. Follow-up mechanism 
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries will follow up on the progress of the implementation of actions and measures in this Action Plan at their regular Mekong-Japan meetings (i.e. Summit, Foreign Minister, Economic Minister and Senior Official levels).
  •   Japan and the Mekong region countries reaffirmed that the Action Plan is a living document and will be reviewed regularly and updated when necessary.

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