The Signing of the Japan-ASEAN Technical Cooperation Agreement

1. On May13th, Foreign Minister Taro Kono and H.E. Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary General of ASEAN, who is visiting Japan as a guest of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed the Japan-ASEAN Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA) in Tokyo.

2. The TCA comprehensively stipulates measures to be taken by ASEAN when the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) carries out technical cooperation for ASEAN as a unity such as the dispatch of experts or missions to ASEAN and the implementation of training for trainees from ASEAN.

3. The Government of Japan is coordinating with ASEAN to realize the participation of ASEAN officials in training programs in Japan on enhancing connectivity and SDGs as the first programme under the TCA. It is expected that JICA will dispatch JICA experts or provide equipment to ASEAN facilities mainly in the area of ASEAN’s interest such as institutional design of ASEAN unity and the strengthening of connectivity.

4. Such technical cooperation to ASEAN as a unity will promote a linkage of Japan's ongoing technical cooperation programmes in each ASEAN Member State, contribute to enhancing ASEAN unity and centrality, and support the development of the ASEAN Economic Community. It is also expected that it will contribute to realizing a free and open Indo-Pacific through strengthening regional connectivity.

Source: https://www.mofa.go.jp