To realize ASEAN's sustainable economic growth, Japan's high-quality infrastructure is vital and essential. Against that background, the Government of Japan on May 10 hosted "Dialogue for Quality Infrastructure -- Building Asia's Future" in Phnom Penh and appealed to ASEAN's stakeholders that Japan will be fully committed to support ASEAN partners, continuously playing its indispensable role in the region.

While the event was attended by about a hundred participants, active discussions were held on what kind of quality infrastructure is needed for ASEAN's sustainable development and how Japan can play an important role.

In opening remarks on behalf of the Government of Japan, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Cambodia H.E. Mr. Hidehisa Horinouchi said that Japan will continue to contribute to connectivity in the ASEAN region through quality infrastructure development assistance as well as human resource development.

The representative of the Cambodian government, H.E. Mr. Tauch Chankosal, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, the Kingdom of Cambodia, expressed that experiences from Japan in infrastructure development in the field of transportation and logistics would provide valuable references to develop high-quality infrastructure.

Prior to the discussions, Yasuharu Funabashi, Deputy General Manager for Strategic Project Office Industry Research Department of Mizuho Bank, made a speech to set the day's agenda. He stressed quality infrastructure as a key factor for improving connectivity and long-term quality growth in the ASEAN region, and introduced four key points which the Government of Japan has been advocating: Technologies for Local Needs, Co-Creation, Long-Term Commitment, Lifecycle and Economic Efficiency. Funabashi also elaborated on the precedent cases of Japan's infrastructure development.

For the dialogue segment, panelists discussed how "quality infrastructure" can contribute to ASEAN's sustainable economic growth. Moderated by Nikkei's Columnist Yasuhiko Ota, discussions covered issues such as regional connectivity as a driver for economic and social development in ASEAN, quality infrastructure for long-term growth, and the importance of collaboration between Japan and ASEAN members to realize ASEAN's sustainable growth.

By the end of the meeting, the participants agreed and concluded that ASEAN's interregional infrastructure development is the key for its future and thus Japan's support is indispensable in the region.

"Dialogue for Quality Infrastructure -- Building Asia's Future" is also planned to be held in Vietnam, Myanmar, Indonesia and other places.

Program

- Opening remarks by the host: H.E. Mr. Hidehisa Horinouchi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Cambodia

- Speech by the guest of honor: H.E. Mr. Tauch Chankosal, Secretary of State, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Kingdom of Cambodia

- Agenda setting:

"What are the important points for sustainable ASEAN economic growth?"

Panelists

-- Yasuharu Funabashi, Deputy General Manager, Strategic Project Office Industry Research Department, Mizuho Bank

- Dialogue:

"How should ASEAN proceed with infrastructure development for improvement of connectivity and sustainable economic growth"

Panelist

-- Mr. Yasuharu Funabashi (Deputy General Manager, Strategic Project Office Industry Research Department, Mizuho Bank)

-- Mr. Don Lam (Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Vina Capital Group)

-- Dr. Penghuy Ngov (Director and Designated Associate Professor, Cambodia Satellite Campus, Asian Satellite Campuses Institute, Nagoya University)

-- Mr. Yuichi Sugano (Chief Representative, JICA Cambodia Office)

-- Mr. Aylwin Tan (Chief Customer Solutions Officer, Ascendas-Singbridge Pte. Ltd.)

-- Mr. Ken Tun (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Parami Energy Group)

Moderator

Yasuhiko Ota, Columnist, Nikkei

For more information, please visit our website: http://www.japan.go.jp/infrastructure/