Tokyo (VNA) - Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko on July 23 announced the appointment of economic specialists at six diplomatic missions in five countries ahead of her visit to Laos and participation in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meetings (AMM) from July 25-28.
This strategic move aims to provide optimal support for Japanese enterprises exploring opportunities in Southeast Asian and South Asian markets.
These economic specialists will be positioned at the Japanese embassies in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and India, and the Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City.
Minister Kamikawa highlighted Japan's strong commitment to integration and enhanced connectivity with the ASEAN Community, acknowledging the active trade dynamics within the ASEAN region.
The deployment of these economic specialists at Japanese diplomatic missions in ASEAN countries is expected to bolster the role of Japanese enterprises in fostering regional trade, thereby contributing to Japan's economic growth. Japan plans to further expand this initiative to include all countries in the "Global South" by the end of the year.
The Japanese foreign minister is scheduled to visit Laos and attend the 57th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related conferences. At these meetings, Japan is expected to reinforce its commitment to addressing common issues with ASEAN countries as a partner for peace and shared prosperity through "co-creation" based on mutual trust. The focus will be on "efforts for prosperity" and "efforts for peace and stability".
Japan supports ASEAN's central and unified role and actively contributes to regional connectivity./.