Taguig city: Officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will work on centrality vis-a-vis the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East to ensure that energy and food security, as well as supply chain remain.

According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty, in a press briefing in Taguig City on Thursday and a day ahead of the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Retreat, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation to maintain the integrity of the economic integration agenda. He highlighted the necessity for synchronized actions and responses to the ongoing conflicts, underscoring the risks of a fragmented approach.

Gepty addressed the effects of policies from various countries in the region, noting that measures implemented by ASEAN member-countries should support an open regional market for trade and investment. He stressed that any policy measures must align with the regional economic integration agenda and avoid the creation of non-tariff barriers or trade barriers.

Export restrictions were highlighted by Gepty as an example of non-tariff barriers that should be avoided. He emphasized the need to maintain the supply chain, particularly in critical sectors like energy and food, to prevent disruptions. Gepty called for mutual support among ASEAN members to tackle these current challenges.

The trade official also pointed out the importance of coordinated efforts concerning the US government's investigation under Section 301 (b) of the Trade Act of 1974. This investigation pertains to structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors that may be discriminatory to the US. Gepty expressed the hope that these investigations adhere to international trade rules.

ASEAN comprises Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.