The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been making efforts to enhance its economic competitiveness by sustaining economic growth and strengthening regional integration while at the same time expanding and deepening economic interdependence outside the region. Economic interdependence between ASEAN and Japan has been steadily increasing, making ASEAN Japan’s second largest trade partner. Private direct investment from Japan to ASEAN Member Countries over the past ten years has reached a substantial level further demonstrating the close economic linkages between ASEAN Member Countries and Japan. Japan has assisted the economic and social development of ASEAN Member Countries by providing bilateral Official Development Assistance (ODA), thereby contributing to the peace, stability and prosperity in the region. Japan also attaches special importance to ASEAN Member Countries and has deeply committed itself to forging stronger relations with the ASEAN region through its ODA and by promoting trade and investment, building on the achievements made so far.