SINGAPORE, May 7 — Singapore is actively working with Asean partners to champion a region with resilient supply chains, while expanding the digital and green economies, said Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong.

Gan, who is also Singapore’s Minister for Trade and Industry, said the republic will continue to monitor global developments closely and remain a constructive partner in advancing regional integration priorities.

“We are committed to deepening partnerships within Asean to ensure the region maintains its position as a trusted, connected and open trading partner,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

Gan had earlier attended the 27th Asean Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting held on May 7 in Cebu, chaired by the Philippines Secretary of Trade and Industry Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque.

According to Singapore’s Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), the meeting reaffirmed commitments to uphold open trade and resilient supply chains in response to the situation in West Asia.

“They took forward recommendations to address economic implications from the Special AECC Meeting on April 30, including exploring next steps to expedite the entry into force of the Upgraded Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) within the year where possible.

“This will allow Asean member states to implement the relevant cooperation and crisis-related commitments amid the ongoing crisis,” it said.

MTI noted that during the 27th AECC meeting, ministers discussed the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which remains on course for conclusion and signing this year.

The meeting also outlined next steps for advancing key carbon neutrality initiatives, including commissioning a feasibility study on a possible rules-based Asean Green Economy Framework Agreement (GEFA) aimed at harnessing opportunities in the green economy.

“Ministers also made progress on the Asean Power Grid (APG), including urging Asean to accelerate the development of a framework on submarine power cables, which is essential for energy imports,” it added. — Bernama