Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II attended the Special ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting (AECC) held on 30th April 2026 via video conference. The Meeting was chaired by Her Excellency Ma. Cristina A. Roque, Secretary of Trade and Industry, Republic of Philippines and attended by eleven ASEAN Member States.
At the Special AECC meeting, Ministers discussed the impact of the Middle East crisis on ASEAN’s economy and the urgent need for a coordinated regional response. Among others, Ministers exchanged views on practical solutions to address escalating impacts on supply chains, energy and food supplies, particularly for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These include commitment to maintain and facilitate open trade, enhance cross-sectoral coordination and expedite operationalisation of various energy-related initiatives such as ASEAN Power Grid (APG), ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA) and Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline.
The ASEAN Secretariat, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) presented on several recommendations including the proposal to consider a study on a regional joint oil stockpiling.
At the meeting, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, among others, reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to the free, fair and rules based multilateral trading system. Yang Berhormat Dato Dr highlighted the urgent need for a collective response and in coming up with actionable solutions, including by ensuring trade remains open and facilitative for business and consumers alike. Yang Berhormat Dato further emphasised the need for ASEAN Member States to leverage upon this crisis as an opportunity to not only address short term challenges but also to explore long-term strategies.
Against the backdrop of the Philippines Chairship theme of “Navigating Our Future, Together”, the Special AECC meeting was convened at a time of heightened tensions to global and regional supply chains, especially around the Strait of Hormuz. Such tensions have contributed to the rise of trade uncertainties, energy price volatility and disruptions to essential food supplies. The recommendations presented at the meeting today will be further escalated for possible deliberations by the ASEAN Leaders at the 48th ASEAN Summit scheduled in early May 2026.
Also in attendance were Yang Mulia Dr. Hajah May Fa’ezah binti Haji Ahmad Ariffin, Permanent Secretary (Economy, Trade and Industry) at the Ministry of Finance and Economy as Brunei Darussalam’s Senior Economic Official and officials from the Trade Division at the Ministry of Finance and Economy.
-END-
Prepared by: Trade Division, Ministry of Finance and Economy
Email: BruneiSEOM@mofe.gov.bn
Reference: KKW/TD/ASN: 40
Date: 30 April 2026