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In the ASEAN region, which has been experiencing rapid economic development in recent years, it is important to realize a sustainable society that is friendly to the global environment while maintaining economic growth. This relates to the field of logistics as well. Solutions are needed to improve the reliability of logistics, such as highly efficient and environmentally friendly green logistics systems to reduce all kinds of carbon dioxide emissions, and cold chain logistics systems to ensure a stable and safe supply of food to consumers.

In order to cooperate with this effort, JICA Yokohama conducted the Knowledge Co-Creation Program on "Development of the sustainable and reliable logistics system in ASEAN region" from November 8 to 25, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year's program was conducted online, with 8 participants from 5 ASEAN countries.

Online lecture by Prof. Mori, University of Marketing and Distribution Sciences

The program included lectures on temperature controlled cold chain logistics services, which are becoming increasingly important in ASEAN countries, where dietary habits are diversifying and the EC market is expanding in line with population growth and income level improvement in recent years. In addition, with the cooperation of private sector logistics companies that are responsible for actual logistics services, the participants were able to learn about various modes of transportation, such as road, air, ocean and rail freight, as well as automated warehouses that have introduced the latest technology to improve transportation efficiency.

In ASEAN countries, the development of truck terminals and refrigerated warehouses is lagging behind, and the participants asked many questions regarding the Japanese government's subsidies, development of laws and regulations, and deregulation. For example, Thailand, which shares a border with other ASEAN countries, gave a presentation on their issues, such as the development of regulations for smooth connection between domestic and international logistics.

Country Report Presentation by participants

In the lecture on cold chain logistics services, participants actively exchanged opinions on the latest trends, such as how vaccines for COVID-19 are transported and stored in Japan, since the transportation of these vaccines requires strict extremely low temperature control.

Lecture about Modern Logistics in Japan

As the program was conducted online, it was difficult for the participants to get to know each other, but we tried to create opportunities for small group discussions so that they could interact with each other, and we received favorable comments from the participants indicating that they were able to make friends through the program.

We aim to continue improving the quality of our program and higher satisfaction among our participants that will be able to support the development in their countries.

Closing Ceremony

(Collaboration in editing) Japan Transport Cooperation Association

Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs)

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (the 2030 Agenda) is a set of international development goals from 2016 to 2030, which was adopted by the UN Sustainable Development Summit held in September 2015. The 2030 Agenda listed "Sustainable Development Goals" consisting of 17 goals and 169 targets in order to eradicate poverty and realize a sustainable world.

This program is expected to contribute in achieving the 9th goal of 17 SDG; "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation".