Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Allan Gepty
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for International Trade Group Allan Gepty on Thursday urged Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to maintain open trade and safeguard supply chains to counter rising geopolitical tensions.
Speaking during a pre-Senior Economic Officials Meeting briefing, Gepty said the 10-member bloc should uphold its principle of centrality and ensure regional economic integration remains intact while responding to global developments, including the conflict in the Middle East.
“It is a must that ASEAN member states must work together. We cannot afford to have a separate approach in addressing this conflict,” Gepty said.
He said member states should prioritize energy security, food security and stable supply chains while coordinating policy responses.
Gepty warned that international crises often lead economies to impose export restrictions or non-tariff measures to protect domestic supplies. While these actions address local demand, he noted they can disrupt regional trade.
“In working together, policy measures adopted by member states must remain consistent with the regional economic integration agenda and avoid resorting to non-tariff barriers. We have to make sure that the supply chain, particularly of energy, food and other vital sectors, remains intact,” he said.
The official called on members to refrain from trade-restricting measures, particularly in critical sectors, to ensure the uninterrupted flow of goods.
As the chair of the 2026 ASEAN Summit, the Philippines will host an upcoming retreat for economic ministers to address regional priorities and global developments. The ministers are scheduled to meet with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia and the Asian Development Bank to gather insights from the private sector and research institutions.
Gepty said discussions with the business council will allow policymakers to hear private sector concerns and align interventions with market realities. He noted that improvements in trade facilitation, digitalization and connectivity have historically been shaped by private sector recommendations.
The ministers will also engage with the Asian Development Bank to explore cooperation for ASEAN 2045, the region’s long-term development vision. The partnership coincides with the first year of the plan’s implementation and the Philippine chairmanship.