Japan and ASEAN to consider expanding trade pact

Manila – Officials from Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed at a meeting in Manila on Sunday to commission a study on expanding the Japan-ASEAN economic partnership agreement, trade minister Ryosei Akazawa said at a news conference after the meeting.

Participants expressed their interest in strengthening cooperation in energy security, artificial intelligence and supply chains, among other fields, Akazawa said.

“We hope to advance discussions to further solidify our strong economic ties built so far,” he added.

At the beginning of the meeting, Cristina Roque, the Philippines’ secretary of trade and industry, stressed that the significance of Japan-ASEAN cooperation is increasing amid growing global uncertainties.

A joint statement adopted at the meeting addressed geopolitical tensions and risks to key energy supply routes. Participants also vowed to refrain from unilateral measures that could further destabilize the world economy.

Both Japan and ASEAN countries rely heavily on the Middle East for oil but are seeking to secure alternative energy sources.