Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
Let me begin by touching upon the recent terrorist attacks in Paris.
This act of terror reminded us the importance of the fight against terrorism. It is a serious challenge to our shared value, and the international community should be united to strongly condemn such act. Japan will continue to make its utmost efforts to fight against terrorism in close cooperation with the international community.
Through our discussion under the theme of “Inclusive Growth through Sustainable and Resilient Communities” in Plenary Session tomorrow, I strongly hope that our common view on the importance of counterterrorism will be reaffirmed, and that we commit to enhance our efforts to tackle the acts of terrorism in APEC.
Mr. Chairman,
I would like to express my appreciation to Chairman Domingo, Secretary of Trade and Industry and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario, as well as the Philippine government for their efforts to arrange this Plenary Session.
I believe the theme of inclusive growth through economic integration is appropriate and important, as it enhances the “rule of law” in economic areas.
With regard to the FTAAP, which Minister Hayashi also touched upon, I am pleased that steady steps have been taken in the pathway to the FTAAP since the Yokohama APEC in 2010, including the agreement in principle reached on the TPP. Japan will continue to play an active role in this area, so that APEC can contribute to the FTAAP as its incubator.
Mr. Chairman,
Following the APEC Leaders’ agreement last year, Japan is currently leading various projects to promote Global Value Chains such as “Improving the Investment Climate for GVCs Development.”
Through these efforts, Japan intends to contribute to building transparent, predictable and stable business environment.
Japan has also undertaken the project for “Enhancement of Integration of Regional Value Chains in Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean,” by cooperating with Peru, which will be next year’s Chair. We look forward to sharing the outcome of this project at the APEC Ministerial Meeting next year.
Mr. Chairman,
Japan is leading follow-up projects on the “APEC Connectivity Blueprint for 2015-2025” including the “Exploration on Strengthening of Maritime Connectivity”. The Japanese government also promotes “quality infrastructure” investment under the pillar of physical connectivity in the Connectivity Blueprint.
After Prime Minister Abe announced “the Partnership for Quality Infrastructure” in May, the total amount of Japanese ODA loans for Asia in the area of infrastructure up to the end of October increased by around fifty percent compared with the same period last year.
As a follow-up to the Connectivity Blueprint, Japan will complete the “Study on Infrastructure Investment in the APEC region” by the Peru APEC next year, in order to explore desirable infrastructure investment based on the assessment of various existing rules and standards.
Through each project facilitating “quality infrastructure,” Japan intends to contribute to enhancing regional connectivity.
Thank you.
