ASEAN member states' government officials, dialogue partners and other external partners attended a regional workshop on “Development of ASEAN Database on Trade Routes and Framework for Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency." (Photo: asean.org) Jakarta (VNA) - ASEAN member states' government officials, dialogue partners and other external partners attended aregional workshop on “Development of ASEAN Database on Trade Routes andFramework for Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency.”
The virtual workshop is a project under the MasterPlan on ASEAN Connectivity 2025 towards achieving a seamless and competitiveASEAN; through lowering supply-chain costs; and improving the supply chain’s speedand reliability across the region.
In his opening remarks, Secretary-General of ASEANDato Lim Jock Hoi emphasised that in times of crisis, an efficient andresilient region-wide logistics services network is paramount to ensureseamless flow of goods and services.
“Facing the far-reaching impacts of COVID-19 pandemic,enhancing supply chain connectivity is crucial to build back better,’’ saidDato Lim.
‘’By identifying common priorities, designing strategies to improve efficiency,and addressing risks more effectively, we are in a better position to worktogether to achieve a more integrated and connected ASEAN,’’ he concluded.
On his part, Permanent Representative of Vietnam toASEAN and Chair of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee AmbassadorTran Duc Binh underlined that “this timely endeavour demonstrates ASEAN’scommitment to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the region,highlighting a cohesive and responsive ASEAN.”
The workshop discussed the supply-chain challengesASEAN is facing along the priority trade routes, and shared recommendations toimprove logistics performance.
Participants also exchanged views on the preliminaryfindings and ways forward to develop regional trade routes, enhance ASEANsupply chain efficiency, and with the use of digital technologies to buildresilience.
The “Development of ASEAN Database on Trade Routes andFramework for Enhancing Supply Chain Efficiency” project is a joint effort between theASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee, Senior Economic Officials Meetingand Senior Transport Officials Meeting. It is expected to conclude by mid-2021./.
VNA
