Japan Confirms Part in ASEAN Connectivity Initiative

Japan has confirmed its commitment to support an estimated US$8 trillion in ASEAN Connectivity projects despite its post-earthquake recovery obligations.

“We have two issues here. One is to recover from the devastation caused by the earthquake and the other is to make the Japanese economy healthier and more sound,” Japanese Foreign Affairs Ministry assistant press secretary Masaru Sato told Indonesian reporters. “This is because Japanese debt is twice as much as Japanese GDP.”

“We have to continue to contribute to the world by providing our expertise and assistance. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has provided ¥2 trillion (US$26 billion) despite our challenges,” Sato said.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations declared the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity in Hanoi last year, which is planned to be in place by 2015. The plan includes the development of railways, toll roads, seaports, airports, power plants and information and communication technology systems, according to an ASEAN statement.

For its part, Japan will conduct a feasibility study on an ASEAN ro-ro and short-sea shipping project that will connect eastern Indonesia and the southern Philippines.