VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Jakarta:  Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Kao Kim Hourn considered the views and recommendations of the Federation of Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry in ASEAN (FJCCIA) important to improve industry in Southeast Asia.

Japan's recommendations are important because the Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry operate throughout the ASEAN region and experience ASEAN business operations firsthand, Kao said at a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday (17/7).

"It is important for us to listen to the issues and concerns that have been raised and formulate them into policy recommendations," Kao said.

The ASEAN Secretary-General continued that the recommendations would be shared with ASEAN member countries and would continue to ensure that the organization would address existing problems at a practical level.

Kao argued that Southeast Asia has so far been the main investment destination for various parties, for that ASEAN needs to ensure that the region remains attractive to foreign investors.

"Japan is one of our main partners who wants to see investment continue," he said.

In addition, Kao argued that Japan has a great interest in the digital economy.

He added that Japan and ASEAN need to focus on training because someone needs to have digital skills to improve the skills of the ASEAN community.

Kao emphasized that the energy transition and circular economy are also top priorities for ASEAN in addition to the digital economy, green economy and blue economy.

"We hope that Japan will continue to make ASEAN a priority for the entry of PMA (Foreign Direct Investment)," said Kao.

Source: Antaranews