TOKYO -- ASEAN is on track to soon overtake Japan economically as the two sides prepare to celebrate 50 years of friendship at a summit in Tokyo starting Dec. 16.
Once the main economic partner for Southeast Asian countries, Japan no longer enjoys the same clout in the fast-growing region also courted by the U.S. and China. Japan's public and private sectors are now being tested in their ability to move past old stereotypes and tackle joint challenges with ASEAN as truly equal partners.
.jpg?width=178&fit=cover&gravity=faces&dpr=2&quality=medium&source=nar-cms&format=auto&height=100)
