Japan, which is the world's largest economy, has offered economic assistance to members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in order to strengthen its presence in the region and preferably boost infrastructure and other exports into the region.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met the leaders of ASEAN in Tokyo and offered official development assistance and yen loans to member nations. Myanmar President Thein Sein pointed out strong ties between his nations and Japan and also said that his administration will make necessary arrangements to welcome Japanese firms into the country.

Japan announced a 63.2 billion yen or $612 million in loans to Myanmar for the development of arterial highways connecting the proposed Thilawa special economic zone near the city of Yangon and other areas in the country. Mr. Thein Sein also visited a Suzuki Motor's plant in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture as the company is looking to enter the market through the special economic zone.

Japanese government also announced it will provide 2 trillion yen in ODA to the 10 ASEAN member countries over five years. The country also agreed to double its currency swap lines with Indonesia and the Philippines.