Akiko Sato Invited to ASEAN Conference
Akiko Sato was invited as a specialist in the Asian economic perspectives to the ASEAN Conference in the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) on April 25.
Akiko Sato was invited to participate as a specialist in Asian economic perspectives in the ASEAN Conference. Akiko attented the event along with experts from various councils and the embassy of Singapore, including Mr. Grigory TROFIMCHUK, Chairman of the Expert Council of the Foundation for the Support of Scientific Research "Workshop of Eurasian Ideas", Mr. Xi Seo Chen, Deputy Head of the Mission of the Republic of Singapore, Mr. Yuri MOSKOVSKY, Chairman of the Commission of the Council on National Affairs under the Moscow Government, Dr. Mikhail Shah, a professor at MGIMO University, and Dr. Yevgeny KANAEV, a professor at the Higher School of Economics. These leading experts were present at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration (RANEPA) on April 25, which was the first day of the 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore.
The event was organized jointly by the Foundation for the Support of Scientific Research "Workshop of Eurasian Ideas" and the Department of International Politics and Foreign Regional Studies at the School of Public Policy and Management of the Institute of Social Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The main objective of the professional discussion was to develop recommendations to enhance Russia's activity and that of its partners in ASEAN and to strengthen Russia's eastern policy. Participants also discussed cooperation between Russia and ASEAN member countries, while focusing their analysis on the efficiency of Russia's “Look East” policy; the role played by Asian economic projects in global economic development; and issues related to digital economy, technology, investment and innovation in ASEAN member states.
Ms. Sato also drew attention to "the very high growth rates of the Vietnamese economy, which are even higher than the traditional 6-7%." She also explained that "Vietnam is actively trying to find a substitute for traditional sources of energy", which will stimulate the country's industrial development. Concerning the extension of the EAPS, the Japanese business representative repeated one of the main points of the discussion, namely that "Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia are actively discussing possibilities for cooperation with the EAEC."
Many of her ideas were very original and unexpected. For example, she suggested making Vietnam the center of Eurasian interaction and the main platform of the "triangle" of interaction, Russia-Vietnam-Japan.
She proposed implementing a strategic leap in the Russia-Japan-Vietnam triangle, using the Vietnamese site to implement a series of joint tripartite projects that "will also serve to strengthen the ties between Japan and ASEAN". She is convinced that "Russia and Japan can consider their bilateral interaction within the framework of Vietnam." An additional reason for such a strategic breakthrough, in her opinion, is the "already established Free Trade Zone between the EAGE and Vietnam. Thailand, Indonesia also seek to conclude an agreement on the FTA with the Eurasian Economic Union." Akiko Sato analyzed the state of Japanese-Vietnamese relations, which are improving constantly: for example, "the volume of Japanese investments in the Vietnamese economy exceeds all others". This is, in her opinion, because "Japan has been one of Vietnam's key partners for a long time".
This includes not only Vietnam's participation in the EEA, but also a fully equipped technical base on Vietnamese territory: the availability of optimal infrastructure and communications, and also due to the openness of the country's economy. And these are not just words from the Japanese businesswoman. She also presented statistics demonstrating why Vietnam could and should become an integration center between Russia and Japan.
For example, the volume of Japanese investments in the economy of the SRV surpasses all other investments in the economy of the ASEAN countries. More than two thirds of Japanese companies have made part of their profits through cooperation with Vietnam and, currently, more than half of Japanese business is looking to expand its activity in the Vietnamese market.
Many opinion leaders and professionals confirm the integral role of Vietnam in the implementation of Russia's Eastern policy.
For more information:
WTO Center and Integration, Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (in English)
http://wtocenter.vn/news/vietnams-role-asean-russia-relations-highlighted
Customs News (in English)
http://customsnews.vn/vietnams-role-in-asean-russia-relations-highlighted-6774.html
The Voice of Vietnam (in English)
http://english.vov.vn/diplomacy/vietnams-role-in-aseanrussia-relations-highlighted-373498.vov
THE GIOI VIETNAM (in English)
http://tgvn.com.vn/vietnams-role-in-asean-russia-relations-highlighted-70198.html
Vietnam + (in French)
https://fr.vietnamplus.vn/la-russie-apprecie-le-role-du-vietnam-au-sein-de-lasean/102408.vnp
Putin-Today (in Russian)
https://www.putin-today.ru/archives/61779
Eurasian-Studies org. (in Russian)
http://eurasian-studies.org/archives/7811
Eurasianhouse org. (in Russian)
Russia-Singapore Business Council (in Russian)
http://www.rsbctrade.ru/rsbc-experts-took-part-in-ranepa-expert-session/