29 May 2020 – ASEAN Ministers reaffirm regional co-operation and support FTA

Type of Intervention: Other Announcement
Sectors Involved: Finance/Economy, Foreign Affairs, Health
Intervention Categories: International relations
Level of Jurisdiction: Supranational (ASEAN)
Lead People/Agency: ASEAN Foreign Ministers

Overview: ASEAN ministers formally reaffirmed their regional cooperation, and the ASEAN–China Free
Trade Agreement (ACFTA) in boosting trade and investment and in
ensuring stable and inclusive growth of the region.
Full details here: https://www.mti.gov.sg/-/media/MTI/Newsroom/Press-Releases/2020/05/29-May—ASEANChina-Economic-Ministers-Jt-Stmt-on-Combating-COVID19-and-Enhancing-ACFTA-Cooperation.pdf

Type of Justification: Perception of an increased threat
Source of Evidence or Justification: World Health Organisation, World Trade Organization (WTO)
Evidence/Justification: Appears to be in place partly from anticipated need for closer regional dependencies in the current term, and also to re-affirm partnership and appreciation from WHO, especially in a time where support for WHO is being withdrawn from some quarters