SINGAPORE has called for swift and decisive action among ASEAN member states to reinforce energy and food security, as the region braces for the potential fallout from the prolonged conflict in West Asia.
Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong said the city-state would continue working closely with fellow members of ASEAN to implement agreements and mechanisms aimed at strengthening resilience and mitigating disruptions to essential supplies.
“Moving forward, ASEAN must act with urgency and translate these commitments into concrete action,” said Gan, who also serves as Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, in a statement following a special meeting of the ASEAN Economic Community Council held on April 30.
He emphasised that ASEAN remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining open trade and sustainable supply chains to ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential goods, even as global uncertainties intensify.
The special meeting formed part of a broader series of ministerial-level discussions coordinated by Philippines in recent weeks, providing a platform for member states to collectively assess developments in West Asia and evaluate their potential implications for the region.
In a joint statement, ministers reaffirmed ASEAN’s position on keeping trade routes open, upholding rights and freedoms of navigation, and avoiding unjustified trade restrictions that could further strain supply chains.
They also called for the accelerated ratification and implementation of the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), expressing hope that it could come into force as early as this year to enhance intra-regional trade efficiency.
Beyond trade, the meeting underscored the importance of strengthening energy security through diversification of energy sources and the accelerated development of renewable energy initiatives.
Ministers further highlighted the need to expedite the ratification and operationalisation of existing frameworks such as the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), which includes emergency response mechanisms designed to improve coordination and communication during sudden supply disruptions.
The discussions reflect growing concern within ASEAN that external geopolitical tensions could have cascading effects on regional stability, particularly in areas critical to economic continuity and public welfare. - May 1, 2026
