MEETING OF MINISTERS
At a press conference following the ministerial meeting, Mr Gan said the ministers affirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination by announcing a Supply Chain Resilience Declaration.
Representatives from 13 member countries issued the ministerial declaration, which will aims to allow swifter and more meaningful responses to major supply chain risks and disruptions.
They also launched three new areas of focus: advancing digital and paperless trade, strengthening the rules-based trading system and leveraging technology.
"These workstreams will help members tackle emerging challenges and seize opportunities in the evolving global economy," said Mr Gan.
At the opening of the meeting, Mr Gan said that initiatives by the group demonstrate how they can incubate and pilot solutions.
He also noted that the members have agreed to adopt a "flexible geometry".
"Those who are ready and willing can advance specific initiatives first, while keeping the door open for other members who are able to join as and when they are ready to do so," he said.
This approach will allow the partnership to move fast, innovate, test new ideas and seize new opportunities, while staying open and inclusive.
He added that the members hope to explore how these ways of collaboration can be adopted at the multilateral level.
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