Asean supply chain council enters new phase as permanent Asean-BAC working structure

KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Supply Chain Council has entered a new phase as it transitions into a permanent working structure under the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC).

This marks an important step in institutionalising private-sector engagement on trade facilitation, economic integration and supply-chain resilience across the bloc.

The transition was formally marked at the 3rd Asean Supply Chain Council Meeting held in Manila, Philippines, when Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai, founding chairman of the Asean Supply Chain Council and Chairman of the Asean Manufacturing Network (AMN), handed over the chairmanship to Michael Tan of Asean-BAC Philippines on Sept 18.

"The meeting also considered the terms of reference and work programme that will guide the next phase of work and provide a clearer pathway for private-sector recommendations to be channelled into the Asean process," said Soh in a statement today.

He said the Asean Supply Chain Council was established on Sept 23, 2025, through the Asean Manufacturing Network to create a structured private-sector platform to identify cross-sector supply-chain challenges, address practical barriers to regional trade and develop implementable recommendations for Asean.

Since then, he said, its work has progressed to specific areas requiring action, including trade facilitation, customs efficiency, digital trade, traceability, regulatory alignment, border processes and the movement of technical talent.

"Its institutionalisation under Asean-BAC provides the continuity needed to take this work forward beyond individual chairmanship cycles, with regular engagement involving Asean business representatives, joint business councils, regional industry associations and companies operating across regional supply chains," he said.

He said the council also provides a more structured channel for recommendations to reach the relevant Asean sectoral bodies, the Asean Economic Ministers and Asean Leaders.

Asean already has many of the building blocks for deeper economic integration; therefore, the priority now is to make them work more effectively for business, he said.

"By placing this work on a permanent footing under Asean-BAC, Asean has an opportunity to maintain momentum across successive chairmanships and translate private-sector experience into practical regional action," he added. — BERNAMA