Vientiane, 16 September 2024: ERIA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) of Lao PDR, co-organised a High-Level Forum on ASEAN Supply Chain Connectivity. This important event took place alongside the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meetings in Vientiane, held from 15 to 22 September 2024.

The forum opened with remarks from H.E. Malaithong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Lao PDR; H.E. Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN; and ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe. Both H.E. Minister Malaithong and Secretary-General Dr Kao expressed their gratitude to ERIA for its role in organising the forum and highlighted the importance of strengthening supply chain connectivity across ASEAN to bolster economic resilience and growth.

In his address, President Watanabe underscored the significance of supply chain connectivity in ASEAN amidst rising challenges such as geopolitical tensions, sustainability demands, digital transformation, pandemics, and climate change.

‘A robust infrastructure is key to supply chain connectivity,’ President Watanabe noted, stressing the need for stronger cooperation amongst ASEAN Member States and stakeholders to address issues like fragmented geography and developmental disparities. He advocated for a forward-looking, inclusive approach, calling for the development of data-driven strategies and a re-examination of the governance and institutional mechanisms governing ASEAN connectivity to ensure the effective implementation of regional connectivity initiatives.

In closing, President Watanabe expressed optimism about the forum’s discussions, underscoring the importance of addressing these challenges to advance the region’s supply chain and connectivity agenda.

Photos Credit: ASEAN Secretariat