There is now a paramount need to improve supply chain resilience within ASEAN and it is imperative and timely to review the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), so as to withstand future shocks and challenges as well as cater to the ever-changing business needs.
The call was made by Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali at the ongoing 36th ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) Council Meeting which convened today to deliberate on issues relating to the implementation of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA).
“The proposed revision and upgrading of ATIGA must be forward looking, comprehensive and more responsive to global and regional development to include new challenges such as green technology and digital economy,” he said, adding, the improved ATIGA “must be relevant to private sectors and businesses in order for the real benefits of such advancement to be enjoyed by the people particularly, the MSMEs and the youth.
He highlighted that the digital sector is among the fastest growing sources of economic expansion and progress with significant multiplier effects such as job creation and tremendous value-add to MSMEs.
Nevertheless, in order for MSMEs to maximise their gains by effectively riding on the digital value chain, they must be equipped with the essential digital skills including upskilling and reskilling, in order to prepare them to contribute to the economy of the future.
Azmin stressed that capacity building for MSMEs must be holistic so as to bring them up to speed particularly in ESG compliance.
“Working collectively, on the bedrock of ASEAN centrality, we may well see transformational change in this regard,” he added in a statement today.
Proceedings are still under way scheduled to end on 18 September, 2022.
