Japan is preparing for a decade-long strategy with the ambition of developing ASEAN into a `green car` production center.

According to Nikkei Asia, Japan and ASEAN will build a decade-long strategy to rise to the top in the new generation auto industry, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said yesterday, May 23, emphasizing

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Speaking at a dinner within the framework of the Future of Asia forum organized by Nikkei in Tokyo, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: `The global auto industry is currently experiencing a wave of revolutionary change.

The Prime Minister revealed that Japan will for the first time develop an `automotive strategy for the next 10 years to 2035` later this year, confirming information previously published by Nikkei Asia.

He said Japan will cooperate with the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), a Jakarta-based international research organization funded by the Japanese government, to present the industry outlook.

This strategy `ensures ASEAN maintains its central position in the world’s next-generation auto industry,` Kishida said.

He emphasized, `The auto industry is a symbol of the longstanding economic cooperation between Japan and ASEAN countries.`

Japanese automakers have production bases in the ASEAN region and hold a large market share here.

Meanwhile, Kishida said the Asian Zero Emissions Community (AZEC) – a green initiative led by Japan that includes Australia and ASEAN members, excluding Myanmar – will hold its second ministerial meeting in Jakarta.

Kishida said the next meeting will `launch AZEC cooperation initiatives in the fields of technology, finance, institutions and human resources in the energy, transport and industrial sectors, which are key elements.`

He also mentioned that Japan will support artificial intelligence startups in Japan and ASEAN to build AI infrastructure in the region, thereby developing an additional 100,000 advanced digital experts within five years.

Regarding international relations, the Japanese Prime Minister emphasized the importance of multinational cooperation.

“Countries need to have close cooperation with other partners, such as the United States and Europe, to ensure peace, stability and prosperity in the region,” he said.