Companies are proactively diversifying their supply chains, amid growing trade disruptions and uncertainties such as the US-China trade war, Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical tensions. As a region rooted in international trade, Southeast Asia finds itself at a pivotal juncture. The region could benefit as companies seek strategically neutral, cost-competitive, and demographically favorable locations for supply chains. ASEAN could also face setbacks if companies relocate their supply chains out of Asia.
How do we synthesize these factors?This session aims to address the nuances. It will begin with evidence-based research on how ASEAN countries have benefited or may expose themselves to risks from supply chain diversification as well as perspectives on the evolution of regional supply chains in Asia. Then, a panel of experts will convene to further discuss how ASEAN can strategically position itself as a desirable hub for building resilient supply chains.