Driving Growth Towards the Future 2014-2015 02
DRIVING GROWTH TOWARDS THE FUTURE 2014-2015 02 ASEAN-JAPAN Hand in Hand Towards The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) ASEAN has been achieving high economic growth rates in recent Towards the goal of establishing the AEC, ASEAN has achieved years, with automobile production and sales volumes reaching a more than 80% of its AEC 2015 Blueprint measures, such as (1) record high in 2013. Japanese automotive manufacturers attained a a single market and production base, (2) strongly competitive total production of 3.87 million units (a 3% increase from last year), regional development, (3) equitable economic development, and sales of 3.09 million units (a 6% year-on-year increase) and exports (4) integration into the global economy. However, the elimination of 1.27 million units, representing a 23% increase over last year’s of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) trade facilitation, simplification of rules figures. In view of this favorable trend, JAMA member companies of origin, evaluation of standards vis-à-vis technical regulations, have been making active investments in ASEAN, bringing the and conformity assessment procedures remained important issues. combined number of factories and facilities to 83. The number Negotiations on these issues are underway among members. For of direct employees also increased 10% over last year, reaching the automotive industry in particular, it is hoped that the self- approximately 158,000. certification of origins currently being considered will be endorsed, promoting trade facilitation. In order to attain sustainable growth in the automotive industry, as well as other industries in the region, an ASEAN-centered economic On the technical front, JAMA hopes that the ASEAN Mutual integration agreement, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Recognition Arrangement (MRA) for automotive technical Partnership (RCEP), was proposed, with official negotiations begun regulations will be practiced within an international framework in 2012.
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