Press Release
May 20, 2025
- Global Environment
First AZEC International Conference to Develop Carbon Markets
＜Joint Press Release with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry＞
On May 19, 2025, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) jointly held the “First AZEC International Conference to Develop Carbon Markets (hereinafter referred to as the AZEC-DCM)” online. The conference brought together government officials and representatives of related organizations in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) partner countries. Participants held proactive discussions on future approaches to developing carbon markets in AZEC partner countries.
On May 19, 2025, the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) jointly held the “First AZEC International Conference to Develop Carbon Markets (hereinafter referred to as the AZEC-DCM)” online. The conference brought together government officials and representatives of related organizations in the Asia Zero Emission Community (AZEC) partner countries. Participants held proactive discussions on future approaches to developing carbon markets in AZEC partner countries.
1. Overview of the AZEC-DCM (*)
(1) The AZEC Leaders’ Joint Statement and its “Action Plan for the Next Decade” was adopted at the Second AZEC Leaders Meeting held in October 2024.
(2) The AZEC-DCM was established as a dialogue among policy practitioners to discuss two items that are included in the Action Plan: “Enhancing the competitiveness of industries through visualization of GHG emissions throughout the supply chain” and “Promotion of high-integrity carbon markets”.
(3) “The AZEC International Conference to Promote the JCM and Develop Carbon Markets” (AZEC-JCM International Conference), which was held twice until 2024 was integrated into the AZEC-DCM, and continues to discuss activation of high-quality credit transactions within the region, creation of incentives for decarbonization investments, and other related subjects.
(2) The AZEC-DCM was established as a dialogue among policy practitioners to discuss two items that are included in the Action Plan: “Enhancing the competitiveness of industries through visualization of GHG emissions throughout the supply chain” and “Promotion of high-integrity carbon markets”.
(3) “The AZEC International Conference to Promote the JCM and Develop Carbon Markets” (AZEC-JCM International Conference), which was held twice until 2024 was integrated into the AZEC-DCM, and continues to discuss activation of high-quality credit transactions within the region, creation of incentives for decarbonization investments, and other related subjects.
2. Key points of the first AZEC-DCM
(1) The online conference brought together participants in AZEC partner countries in charge of policies in ministries and agencies related to energy and environment, and representatives of related organizations.
(2) Participants shared information and exchanged views on (1) Visualization of GHG emissions (role of governments, private initiatives, etc.) and (2) Development of indicators and approaches to evaluate GHG emission reductions.
Japan will continue discussions towards decarbonization in collaboration with AZEC partner countries, utilizing the AZEC-DCM.
* AZEC is a Platform for cooperation towards carbon neutrality/net-zero emissions in the Asia region, involving partner countries from 11 nations (Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).
(2) Participants shared information and exchanged views on (1) Visualization of GHG emissions (role of governments, private initiatives, etc.) and (2) Development of indicators and approaches to evaluate GHG emission reductions.
Japan will continue discussions towards decarbonization in collaboration with AZEC partner countries, utilizing the AZEC-DCM.
* AZEC is a Platform for cooperation towards carbon neutrality/net-zero emissions in the Asia region, involving partner countries from 11 nations (Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam).