Manila (virtual), 30 April 2026: The ASEAN Economic Coordinating Council (AECC) convened a special meeting to discuss strengthening regional co-operation on energy security, food security, and supply chain co-ordination in light of emerging global disruptions.

Chaired by H.E. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, the meeting was attended by representatives from all 11 ASEAN Member States. It also brought together key regional partners, including ERIA, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), and the ASEAN Secretariat, to exchange perspectives on recent energy market developments.

During the meeting, the President of ERIA, Tetsuya Watanabe, presented the institute’s analysis of potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the situation as a stress test for ASEAN’s energy architecture. He outlined ERIA’s proposal to undertake a regional study on joint oil stockpiling strategies, building on the proposal previously put forward by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which was noted in the Council’s joint statement.

ERIA reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with ASEAN Member States in addressing the unfolding challenges. The disruption, widely regarded as one of the most significant potential supply shocks in the history of the global oil market, is already affecting supply chains and food systems, while also posing risks to the availability of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals across the region.

Photo credit: ASEAN Secretariat