Jakarta, 4–5 August 2025: In response to growing uncertainties in global supply chains – driven by the Trump 2.0 policy wave, rapid digital transformation, and emerging sustainability demands – ERIA, in collaboration with the Institute of Developing Economies–Japan External Trade Organization (IDE–JETRO), hosted a regional workshop titled ’Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience Policies in ASEAN.’

The 2-day event brought together regional experts, policymakers, and researchers to exchange insights and develop coordinated policy recommendations aimed at strengthening the resilience of supply chains across ASEAN Member States, while also identifying opportunities for growth and innovation.

In his opening remarks, ERIA President Tetsuya Watanabe emphasised the importance of deepening ASEAN economic integration and diversifying markets, underscoring the transformative role of global value chains and Asia’s production networks.

IDE–JETRO President Prof. Fukunari Kimura highlighted the urgency of understanding real-time firm-level responses to compound global pressures, including protectionism, digitalisation, and decarbonisation.

The workshop also marked the launch of a regional study, which is guided by three core research questions:

1. How are firms responding to today’s global uncertainties?
2. What challenges are they encountering?
3. What coordinated policy responses are needed to build resilience?

Day 1: Firm-Level Responses in ASEAN

The first day featured thematic presentations by experts from ERIA and IDE–JETRO, including Prof. Kimura, Mr Ikumo Isono, Dr Kazunobu Hayakawa, Dr Venkatachalam Anbumozhi, and Dr Yasushi Ueki, who examined the wider impacts of the Trump 2.0 era – ranging from shifting tariffs to sustainability pressures and changing regional competitiveness.

Country case studies showcased a diverse set of responses from ASEAN economies. Presenters included:

• Mr Dandy Rafitrandi (CSIS, Indonesia)
• Prof. Tamat Sarmidi (IKMAS, Malaysia)
• Dr Francis Mark A. Quimba (PIDS, Philippines)
• Dr Saowaruj Rattanakhamfu (TDRI, Thailand)
• Dr Vo Tri Thanh (BCSI, Viet Nam)

Firm-level strategies included production relocation, enhanced local procurement, joint ventures, and the adoption of digital technologies. Discussions used an analytical framework that distinguishes between immediate shocks (e.g. geopolitical tensions) and gradual transformations (e.g. decarbonisation, digitalisation) in shaping supply chain restructuring.

Day 2: Perspectives from East Asia

The second day turned to experiences from East Asia. Experts included:

• Dr Nimesh Salike (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University, China)
• Mr Isamu Wakamatsu (IDE–JETRO, Japan)
• Dr Hyung Gon Jeong (KIEP, Korea)

They shared national strategies for addressing geopolitical and structural challenges. Notably, Japanese firms are increasingly relocating operations to ASEAN, while Korean firms employ a mix of greenfield investments and mergers/acquisitions. Regional clustering and agility emerged as common success factors.

Looking Ahead: Supporting ASEAN Policy Responses

ERIA experts Dr Dionisius A. Narjoko, Dr Doan Thi Thanh Ha, Mr Souknilanh Keola, and Ms Anna Maria Rosario D. Robeniol sharpened the analysis with additional insights into policy implications.

The workshop concluded with a forward-looking discussion on how the study’s findings could inform ASEAN’s collective policy response and support the Philippines’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2026. As a next step, the research team will conduct firm-level surveys, track policy shifts, and develop tailored recommendations by country and sector. These efforts aim to ensure robust, evidence-based guidance for bolstering supply chain resilience in the face of global uncertainty.