Executive Summary:
As part of the ASEAN-Japan Centre’s (AJC) ongoing commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, the Centre significantly contributed to two key sessions at the ASEAN Investment Forum (AIF) and the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS), held under Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. The primary objective of this official mission was to support Lao PDR’s leadership during its ASEAN Chairmanship by engaging in high-level discussions, and fostering deeper, people-centric collaboration with ASEAN-Japan partners. During the AIF, AJC also had the opportunity to showcase the findings of the 10 stories for impact investment from all 10 ASEAN countries, further emphasizing the Centre’s role in driving sustainable development across the region.
“Mobilizing Capital for Impact-Impact Investing in ASEAN” at the Session 6 of AIF on 7 October
Secretary-General Dr. Hirabayashi participated as a speaker, highlighting the advancement of impact investing in ASEAN while drawing lessons from Japan’s thriving impact investing ecosystem. Key points of discussion spotlighted the need for cross-sector partnerships within ASEAN and the importance of leveraging technological innovations. Japan, in turn, could enhance its global leadership in impact investing by embracing ASEAN’s entrepreneurial spirit. The session also underscored the importance of grassroots impact investments in addressing community needs, with ASEAN’s integrated digital economy model proposed as a framework for Japan to develop a more interconnected and transparent impact investment ecosystem. The session concluded with a shared understanding of the importance of collaboration and innovation as essential drivers for meaningful change across the region.
“ASEAN Energy Transition” at the Session 5 of ABIS on 9 October
The session, moderated by Secretary-General Dr. Hirabayashi, underscored that the energy transition is a socio-economic transformation, not just a technical shift. Key discussions focused on the need for collaboration among—governments, private sectors, and local communities—to overcome transition challenges. Essential takeaways included leveraging digital technologies such as AI and cloud-based platforms, promoting sustainable financing through blended finance and de-risking strategies, and recognizing long-term foreign direct investment as crucial for ASEAN’s energy transition. Transparency was identified as essential for building trust among investors and the public. The session concluded with a consensus that innovation and cross-sector unity are vital for achieving meaningful change and fostering sustainable, people-centered solutions in ASEAN.
Solidifying AJC’s Role as a Trusted Partner
The Centre leveraged recent sessions to further its mission and strengthen its profile as a trusted partner in the region. In addition to participating in vital sessions in AIF and ABIS, AJC representatives engaged in meetings with key counterparts from the Lao PDR government including the Lao Businesswomen’s Association, the Investment Promotion Department of Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Trade and Handicraft Promotion Department of Ministry of Industry and Commerce. These meetings focused on understanding Lao PDR’s investment landscape and exploring trade opportunities to enhance bilateral cooperation toward shared economic and sustainable development goals between ASEAN and Japan.
Through these strategic engagements, the AJC reaffirmed its pivotal role in ASEAN-Japan relations, actively contributing to the region’s connectivity and resilience, in line with Lao PDR’sstrategic priorities as ASEAN Chairmanship this year. The Centre seeks to build on this momentum by continuing collaborative efforts to promote Lao PDR as a prime destination for tourism, investment, and other opportunities, thereby fostering deeper ties between ASEAN and Japan.
Looking Ahead:
As the Centre continues to support ASEAN member states and strengthen regional ties, 2025 marks a significant milestone with the celebration of the 70th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Lao PDR. This historic occasion offers an opportunity to further enhance bilateral relations, building on the progress achieved during Lao PDR’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. The AJC remains committed to fostering long-term partnerships between Japan and ASEAN and will continue collaborating with stakeholders to ensure that 2025 not only commemorates the friendship between Japan and Lao PDR but also highlights the shared achievements and future potential of the ASEAN-Japan partnership.
