ASEAN needs to remain dynamic and leverage on this crisis to assess and prioritise on impactful initiatives that will ensure ASEAN's resiliency and preparedness in facing any future crisis. This includes reaffirming commitment to enhance intra-ASEAN trade flows; reduce barriers to trade; facilitate trade through digitalisation and ensuring integration of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in regional supply chains. The matter was underlined by the Minister at the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister of Finance and Economy at the 27th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting in Cebu, the Republic of the Philippines.

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Doctor Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah also welcomed the good progress of the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, DEFA negotiations and reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam's commitment to ensure early entry-into-force of the Upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, ATIGA. The meeting provided a timely opportunity for economic ministers to exchange views on ASEAN's collective effort in strengthening the region's economic integration agenda as well as in advancing modern and forward-looking initiatives, in line with the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Ministers agreed that continued commitment by all ASEAN Member States is crucial, especially as the region navigates the supply chain disruptions caused by the Middle East Crisis.