Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Arsjad Rasjid met with Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) Saito Ken to exchange views on the automotive and energy sectors, and other topics, with the aim of strengthening bilateral economic relations with Indonesia and ASEAN countries, (3/7/2024).

During the meeting, they emphasised the importance of moving forward with concrete projects through close coordination between the business communities of the two countries and between Japan and other ASEAN countries. They agreed to further strengthen cooperation to build next-generation human networks, promote open innovation, and advance initiatives for the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC).

Kadin has been a strong partner of METI in Indonesia for many years, advocating for greater economic partnership in various sectors, such as MSME Empowerment, energy transition, industrial development, transport and infrastructure, and more.

"We actively participated in the ASEAN-Japan Co-Creation partnership last year, in conjunction with Indonesia's chairmanship of ASEAN. We are grateful for METI's support for our leadership in ASEAN last year,’ said Arsjad, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Indonesian Business Council (IBC).

At the Asian Business Summit organised by KEIDANREN, Kadin affirmed its commitment to a constructive Indonesia-Japan business partnership and a constructive and productive Indonesia-Japan business partnership.

"We need to encourage stronger collective efforts among Asians, as growth is now centred in our region. At the bilateral level, Indonesia and Japan have built a strong foundation in partnership for decades. So we also need to ensure the strengthening of cooperation and policy support for the future,’ Arsjad said.

Arsjad said that Kadin is currently preparing a White Book that will be filled with policy aspirations to the new Indonesian government.