Hanoi (VNA) - The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is seekingmore partnerships between small and medium-sized enterprises in ASEAN countriesand Japan.

Singapore Trade and Industry Minister Chan Chun Sing made the statement duringa meeting of ASEAN trade ministers and Japanese Economy, Trade and IndustryMinister Hiroshige Seko held in Singapore on August 30.

Chan highlighted the long-lasting ASEAN-Japan ties while, while stressing potentialfor expanding economic cooperation to newer areas such as the digital economyand innovation.

The minister said it is important for micro, small and mediumenterprises in ASEAN and Japan to build partnerships and networks to harnesspotential opportunities.

ASEAN is seeking Japan's support in ensuring that its markets will remain openand competitive, especially in an increasingly challenging global economicclimate, he added.

He emphasised the conclusion of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnershipby the end of this year as both sides’ shared goal.

Japan was ASEAN's fourth-largest trading partner in 2017 with two-way tradereaching 218 billion USD, accounting for 8.5 percent of ASEAN's total trade.

Japan was the second-largest source of foreign direct investment for the regionlast year, accounting for nearly 10 percent of flows to the group.-VNA