TOKYO, 25-27 November 2025 – The ASEAN Secretariat jointly organised the‘ASEAN-Japan Symposium for Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Development in ASEAN: Focusing on Decarbonisation and Digitalisation’ with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF Japan) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). The symposium took place from 25-27 November in Tokyo, Japan.
Approximately 100 participants, including government officials from ASEAN Member States (AMS) and Japan, as well as representatives from the private sector, academia, and international organisations within and beyond the ASEAN region, gatheredDiscussion centred on pathways to decarbonise and digitalise agriculture to advance sustainable development..
On the first day, the ASEAN Secretariat presented the Food, Agriculture and Forestry Sectoral Plan 2026–2030 (FAF-SP 2026–2030), adopted at the 47th ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry. MAFF Japan and the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) shared the ASEAN-Japan MIDORI Cooperation Plan, revised at the 2nd ASEAN-Japan Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry Meeting as well as Technology Catalog Ver.4 in the plan.
ERIA presented the regional perspectives on digitalisation in agrifood system and GHG emissions reduction pathways. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) delivered an overview of ongoing decarbonisation efforts in ASEAN.
Government representatives from AMS and the Mission of Japan to ASEAN highlighted national policies, regulatory frameworks, and emerging challenges related to decarbonisation and digital transformation in agriculture.
A panel discussion, moderated by the Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), featured private sector representatives from ASEAN and Japan who shared practical experiences and business cases.
On the second day, the ASEAN Secretariat led discussions on promoting regenerative and resilient agriculture in the region. Institutions from ASEAN, together with JIRCAS, shared practical experiences and highlighted the relevance of regenerative approaches for ASEAN’s Food, Agriculture and Forestry Post-2025 Strategies.
A dedicated session on biochar focused on the ERIA-led initiative to conduct regional assessments and develop an ASEAN Biochar Production and Application Guidelines. JIRCAS (biochar report), the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), and the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) presented updates on their ongoing biochar research and implementation activities. AMS representatives expressed strong support for the guideline development and emphasised the importance of ensuring practicality and affordability for farmers.
The day concluded with a business pitching session that provided a platform for Japanese companies to showcase innovative agricultural technologies suitable for ASEAN. AMS delegates directly exchanged technical needs and potential partnership opportunities with participating companies.
On the third day, participants visited TOYOSU Market, Japan’s largest wholesale market for fish, vegetables, and food products, to observe advanced food value chain systems that contribute to food security and price stabilisation.
ASEAN delegates also engaged with Japanese start-ups and research institutions working on smart agriculture and climate-smart technologies during the Agribusiness Creation Fair 2025, organized by MAFF Japan with participation from more than 100 organisations.
The symposium deepened shared understanding on the importance of strengthening regional cooperation,, fostering private-sector engagement, supporting sustainable technologies, and advancing innovation to achieve a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector in ASEAN..
A panel discussion moderated by Prof. Paul Teng, Managing Director & Dean of RSiS, Singapore, brought together distinguished speakers fromSEARCA, the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the Asian Farmers Association, Sorimachi Vietnam, Eco-Pork Inc., and Towing Co., Ltd.
The business pitching session showcased presentations from several innovative companies. Speakers represented Topcon Corporation, Seiwa Co.,Ltd., Niinuma Co.,Ltd., Agritree Co., Ltd., SDS Biotech K.K., Faeger Co., Ltd., and Archeda Inc.
Photo credit: ASEAN Secretariat
