ASEAN plans to
strengthen and accelerate free trade agreements (FTAs) with key partners,
including China, South Korea, and Canada, to ensure the smooth flow of goods
and safeguard energy and food security amid growing risks from the Middle East
conflict. ASEAN Economic Ministers are prioritizing upgrades to major trade
frameworks such as the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the ASEAN–China
FTA Upgrade 3.0, the ASEAN–Korea FTA, and the ASEAN–Canada FTA. Member states
have also agreed to avoid trade-restrictive measures, including export bans on
essential goods, in order to maintain stable regional trade and supply chains.
strengthen and accelerate free trade agreements (FTAs) with key partners,
including China, South Korea, and Canada, to ensure the smooth flow of goods
and safeguard energy and food security amid growing risks from the Middle East
conflict. ASEAN Economic Ministers are prioritizing upgrades to major trade
frameworks such as the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the ASEAN–China
FTA Upgrade 3.0, the ASEAN–Korea FTA, and the ASEAN–Canada FTA. Member states
have also agreed to avoid trade-restrictive measures, including export bans on
essential goods, in order to maintain stable regional trade and supply chains.
In addition, ASEAN is
accelerating efforts to enhance regional energy and food security. The bloc is
advancing the ratification of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA),
which will facilitate coordinated emergency fuel-sharing arrangements and collective
responses to supply disruptions. ASEAN is also pushing forward the ASEAN Power
Grid initiative to strengthen regional energy connectivity and resilience
against external energy shocks. Alongside these measures, member states have
committed to safeguarding energy supplies for critical services such as
hospitals and emergency systems, while improving food security and supply chain
coordination to ensure reliable access to essential goods across the region.Click!
accelerating efforts to enhance regional energy and food security. The bloc is
advancing the ratification of the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA),
which will facilitate coordinated emergency fuel-sharing arrangements and collective
responses to supply disruptions. ASEAN is also pushing forward the ASEAN Power
Grid initiative to strengthen regional energy connectivity and resilience
against external energy shocks. Alongside these measures, member states have
committed to safeguarding energy supplies for critical services such as
hospitals and emergency systems, while improving food security and supply chain
coordination to ensure reliable access to essential goods across the region.Click!
June 23, 2026
