Keizai Koho Center invited ASEAN journalists to Japan to promote mutual understanding between ASEAN and Japan.

Mr. Azman Ujang, Chairman of the Malaysian National News Agency (BERNAMA), Ms. Nareerat Wiriyapong, Asia Focus Editor of Bangkok Post, Mr. Robertus Benny Dwi Koestanto, Writer of Kompas and Mr. Walter Sim, Japan Correspondent of The Straits Times, Singapore Press Holdings participated in the program. The journalists had discussions with experts of various fields and visited corporations.

On November 21, the symposium “Past, Present and Future of the Japan-ASEAN Relationship” was held at Keidanren Kaikan, Tokyo. The journalists participated as panelists and Mr. Masataka Fujita, Secretary General of the ASEAN-Japan Centre served as commentator. They agreed that it is important to continue to strengthen the Japan-ASEAN partnership amidst the rapidly changing economic environment. The ASEAN journalists also expressed their strong expectations for Japan, saying that Japan needs to be more confident and heighten its voice and presence on the international stage.