- The Fifth ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Troika Open-ended Dialogue with Switzerland was held on 20 September 2026 in Manila, Philippines. The Consultation was co-chaired by H.E. Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines and H.E. State Secretary Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland.
- The Meeting exchanged views on regional and global economic developments, noting that rising geopolitical tensions, including unilateral trade actions and regional conflicts collectively threaten the rules-based international order. The Meeting also took note that these developments, compounded by the Middle East crisis which has heightened the volatility in global energy markets – including disruptions to oil and gas supply chains – have inflicted significant costs on businesses, heightened inflationary pressures, and created an increasingly unpredictable operating environment, particularly for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). In this challenging climate, the Meeting stressed that a closer and more substantive economic partnership between ASEAN and Switzerland is not only essential but also imperative. The Meeting reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and its commitment to strengthening trade and investment ties, including by exploring methods to foster Swiss private sector engagement with ASEAN, while advancing deeper and more resilient supply chain integration. In this regard, the Meeting further reaffirmed the shared resolve to constructively engage all trading partners to address legitimate trade concerns in a balanced and forward-looking manner, and to refrain from any unilateral measures that could further destabilise global economic conditions.
Download the full statement here.
The post Joint Media Statement of the Fifth AEM Troika Open-Ended Dialogue with Switzerland Trade Minister appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Comments