A high-level forum on "ASEAN Supply Chain Connectivity: Key Issues and Challenges" was held in Vientiane, Laos, on September 16. Organized by the Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, it gathered officials, experts, and business leaders to discuss strategies to enhance regional cooperation in supply chain management.

Lao Minister of Industry and Commerce, Malaythong Kommasith, emphasized the importance of digital infrastructure and policy coordination to boost competitiveness in sectors like electric vehicles and semiconductors. He also called for mechanisms to safeguard supply chains from disruptions.

The forum highlighted the role of supply chain connectivity in ASEAN's long-term growth, aligning with Laos' ASEAN chairmanship theme of "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience."

---