Vientiane, 9 October 2024: ERIA organised the ‘Enhancing Connectivity and Supply Chain Resilience in ASEAN’ session during the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2024, held in Vientiane, Lao PDR, on 9 October 2024. ABIS took place alongside the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and Related Summits, held from 8–11 October 2024.

The panellists included Dr Ceferino S. Rodolfo, Undersecretary, Department of Trade and Industry, Republic of the Philippines; Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia; Dr Robert Yap, Executive Chairman of YCH Group; Peter Fox AM, Executive Chairman, Linfox Pty Ltd; James Lok, Lead Investment Officer, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Philip Napier-Moore, Energy Sector Leader for Asia, Mott MacDonald; and Dr Aladdin D. Rillo, Managing Director for Policy Design and Operations at ERIA. The panel was moderated by Chris Humphrey, Executive Director of the EU–ASEAN Business Council.

Before the panel discussion, Eric Chan, Head of Corporate Development, YCH Group, presented a scene-setting paper titled ‘Enhancing Connectivity and Supply Chain Resilience in ASEAN.’ He outlined the region’s current initiatives, challenges, and progress in supply chain connectivity an resilience. Chan concluded with recommendations such as promoting sustainable financing to address gaps in resilient supply chain infrastructure using a public–private partnership (PPP) model; scaling up digitalisation to improve visibility and automation, and enhancing ASEAN-wide cooperation through harmonising customs rules and establishing mutual recognition agreements to ease cross-border trade.

The panel discussion focused on the evolving geopolitical and economic landscape in Southeast Asia, highlighting the region’s increasing significance in global supply chains. The panellists emphasised the importance of resource management and distribution, as ASEAN’s ability to navigate geopolitical tensions and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic will shape supply chain resilience.

Panellists called for a comprehensive strategy to improve logistics and connectivity amongst ASEAN Member States, which is essential for ensuring supply chain resilience and adaptability. Digital transformation and technology were highlighted as vital tools for modernising supply chains, with a strong need for investment in digital frameworks and smart infrastructure to enhance productivity. Leveraging technology is key to adapting to new demands and fostering intra-regional connectivity, which will streamline logistics networks.

A key theme was the necessity of collaboration amongst ASEAN Member States to harmonise standards and reduce non-tariff barriers to facilitate smoother trade. The panellists also raised the importance of addressing administrative challenges and improving logistics infrastructure, such as rail networks, to enhance the flow of goods across borders. Significant investments in both physical and digital infrastructure were advocated as essential to bolster logistics capabilities and ensure uninterrupted supply chain operations.

The panel discussion was attended by over 300 people from across ASEAN and the wider global community, including representatives from businesses, governments, international organisations, and chambers of commerce.

During the 3-day ABIS event, several Heads of Government and leaders from ASEAN Member States and Dialogue Partners, including the Prime Ministers of Canada and New Zealand, participated in various sessions, delivering presentations and joining panels on themes related to supply chain resilience and collaboration with ASEAN.

ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe took part in the first panel session of ABIS, titled ‘ASEAN’s path into the Intelligent Age.’ In this panel he emphasised that ASEAN needs to play a strong role in establishing an AI ecosystem responsive to the region’s needs, particularly by using technologies and innovations to transform sectors such as the automotive industry, where ASEAN already holds strong capabilities, to make the region globally competitive. He also remarked that ‘ASEAN should not become just an arena for data collection by tech giants.’ Other participants in this panel, moderated by Prof. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Chairman of World Economic Forum, included H.E. Armida Alisjahbana, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP); Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Chairman and Founding Partner of Ikhlas Capital, ASEAN-BAC Malaysia; and Sapna Chadha, Vice President of Southeast Asia and South Asia Frontier, Google.