AEM CHAIR’S OPENING REMARKS : 31ST AEM-METI CONSULTATION
24 SEPTEMBER 2025
1605–1735 HRS
BALLROOM, LEVEL 3, MITEC
KUALA LUMPUR
OPENING REMARKS
Preamble
Excellencies,
Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to the 31st AEM-METI Consultation, specifically to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, a city that truly reflects Malaysia’s diversity, dynamism, and resilience. Kuala Lumpur is more than just the capital; it is a hub of commerce, culture, and connectivity, where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly.
As we gather here, let us draw inspiration from this city’s spirit: constantly evolving, yet firmly rooted in its heritage. May Kuala Lumpur remind us of the value of connection, collaboration, and shared growth.
ASEAN-Japan Economic Relation
For over five decades, our relations have been built on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect. Japan was among the very first dialogue partners of ASEAN, and today, our economic ties remain one of the cornerstones of ASEAN’s external relations.
The scale of ASEAN–Japan economic engagement speaks for itself. Japan continues to be one of ASEAN’s largest trading partners and investors. In 2024, total two-way trade between ASEAN and Japan reached USD 236.4 billion. At the same time, Japanese foreign direct investment into ASEAN amounted to USD 17.5 billion. Japan has consistently remained ASEAN’s fourth-largest trading partner for the past five years, and is also the fifth-largest source of FDI among ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners.
Japanese companies have long regarded ASEAN as a vital hub in their global supply chains. With ASEAN’s population of approximately 680 million and its combined GDP of USD3.8 trillion, our region offers a resilient, growing, and dynamic market. At the same time, Japan provides ASEAN with technology, expertise, and access to advanced markets.
Japanese investments are not only in traditional sectors such as manufacturing and infrastructure, but increasingly in new and forward-looking areas such as supply chain resilience; digital and green transformation; human capital development; and regional and global cooperation, including via the implementation of ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP) that provides robust platforms for trade and investment liberalization. This complementarity is what makes our partnership so enduring.
Invitation for METI Minister to Deliver Opening Remarks
Excellencies,
Esteemed members of the meeting,
This year, as we commemorate the 52nd year of ASEAN–Japan relations, we must reaffirm our commitment to strengthening this strategic partnership. It is not just about numbers or trade flows. It is about building resilience against global uncertainties, fostering innovation and sustainability, and ensuring that our peoples enjoy lasting peace and prosperity.
Now, I invite Co-Chair, His Excellency Muto Yoji, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Japan to deliver your opening remarks.
Photo Session
Thank you, Excellency for the opening remarks.
Before we proceed further, I would like to invite Excellencies from ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste and Japan, as well the Secretary-General of ASEAN to the stage, for a photo session.
--BERNAMA