ASEAN and Japan pledge to tighten supply‑chain and energy cooperation

PASAY CITY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

At the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers‑Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry Consultation in Pasay City, ASEAN and Japan agreed to deepen cooperation on supply‑chain resilience, energy security and regional stability in the face of rising geopolitical tensions and volatile energy markets.

The meeting was co‑chaired by Philippine Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque and Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akazawa Ryosei. They highlighted that escalating geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties and regional conflicts continue to erode the stability of the international economic environment, posing particular challenges for micro, small and medium‑sized enterprises.

Global energy markets were also a focus. The ministers noted increased volatility, especially risks to key supply routes in West Asia and the straits used for international navigation, and the potential implications for global supply chains. In response, they stressed the need to strengthen cooperation on supply‑chain resilience, energy security, regional stability and global resilience.

Japan’s “Partnership on Wide Energy and Resources Resilience” and the realisation of the “Asia Zero Emission Community 2.0” were discussed as frameworks to enhance regional economic resilience. Japan proposed collaboration in key sectors such as semiconductors, critical minerals, biofuels and the circular economy.

The ministers welcomed progress in implementing the Future Design and Action Plan of Innovative and Sustainable ASEAN‑Japan Economic Co‑Creation 2023‑2033, a long‑term framework that focuses on cyber‑physical connectivity, open innovation, human capital development and sustainability.

On trade, the ministers reaffirmed the importance of the ASEAN‑Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) as the foundation of ASEAN‑Japan economic relations. They welcomed efforts to improve its utilisation, including the completion of the transposition of product‑specific rules into the Harmonised System 2022.

They also welcomed progress toward a possible upgrade of the AJCEP and the commencement of a joint feasibility study by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, which may include measures to strengthen supply‑chain resilience.

The meeting noted that two‑way merchandise trade between ASEAN and Japan reached US$245.4 billion in 2025, while Japanese foreign direct investment (FDI) into ASEAN totalled US$9.5 billion during the same year. These figures place Japan among ASEAN’s five largest trading partners and five largest sources of FDI in 2025.

Related: Pasay City