A DELEGATION comprising members of Japan’s parliamentary and some 20 business leaders are currently in the Sultanate for two days following their arrival yesterday.

The visit is part of the delegations desire to visit Economic Research Institute for Asean and East Asia (ERIA) as part of the commemoration of ERIA’s 5th anniversary since its establishment.

The delegation was led by Teruhiko Mashiko, a member of the House of Councillors and Vice President of the Democratic Party, who is also the former Vice Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

He will be accompanied by around 20 business leaders from various fields including construction, electronics, consultation and trading.

ERIA is an international organisation comprising 16 East Asia Summit countries, and was formed with the aim of conducting policy research for the purpose of providing policy recommendations towards the integration of the East Asia economic region.

The mission is in Brunei to reaffirm ERIA’s contribution to Asean, including promoting economic integration and sustainable development in the region through meetings with senior government officials and business leaders in each Asean member state.

The delegation also hopes to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relationships.

Once the delegation arrives back home in Japan, the will hold a symposium where they will conduct a information-sharing session so that the information garnered during their visits can be disseminated to all relevant parties.

It is expected that the mission will contribute towards deepening and promoting understanding of Brunei-Japan and Asean-East Asia economic cooperation.

While in Brunei, the delegation will meet senior officials from the public sector. They will also have a business lunch with representatives of Brunei’s private sector and the Brunei-Japan Friendship Association (BJFA). - Borneo Bulletin (27 April 2013)