THE SASAKAWA PEACE FOUNDATION

Toward a Strengthened Regional Cooperation in Asia／Phase II

17,300,000 yen [Self-operated /Grant Project]
The Sasakawa Peace Foundation, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (India)

Despite the fact that Asian Economic Community has finally gained recognition at least conceptually, it is still necessary to strengthen its recognition by society at large, among others political and business communities. Proactive involvement of major stakeholders is critical in prompting accelerated institutionalization of policies and systems toward the materialization of the concept. Drawing on the achievement of preceding Phase I projects, “Towards Strengthened Regional Cooperation in Asia” and “Towards an Asian Economic Community: The Way Forward”, the project will seek to raise awareness and encourage involvement of various parties concerned in political and industrial circles as well as the mass media. The following activities are planned this year as self-operated and grant project.

(Self-operated Project)

Research Commissioned to Advisor
The project designates as advisor Prof. Rajiv Kumar, Director and Chief Executive, Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations, and will seek cooperation and advice from him for a five-month period with regard to project activities for the establishment of stronger cooperation within the region. In particular, counsel will be sought in the following domains on top of the areas covered by grant projects.
(1) Formation of human network and project development in the context of reinforcement of Japan-India bilateral relations.
(2) Surveys relevant to the promotion of interactions between Japan and South Asia

(Grant Project)
Implementation of a grant project “Toward an Asian Economic Community: An Agenda for Action” (Commissioned to Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS/India)

(Second year of a 3-year project)