13TH OECD-AMRO-ADB-ADBI-ERIA Asian Regional Roundtable on New Frontiers

AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 2

* All times are in Singapore time (GMT+8)

1:25 PM – 1:30 PM

Introductions

1:30 PM – 1:50 PM

Welcome Remarks

• Yasuto Watanabe, Director, ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO)

Opening Remarks

• Albert Park, Chief Economist, Asian Development Bank (ADB)
• Yoshiki Takeuchi, Deputy Secretary General, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

1:50 PM – 3:20 PM

Session 1. Digital Trade for Inclusive Growth

This session will explore the dynamics of digital trade and examine the opportunities and challenges that digital transformation presents for emerging economies. It will also discuss policies and regulations needed to ensure that digital trade and digital transformation support inclusive development.

Moderator: Abdul Abiad, Deputy Chief Economist, ADB

Panelists:

• Sanchita Basu Das, Economist, ADB
• Shu Tian, Principal Economist, ADB
• Alpana Roy, Director General for International Trade, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Singapore (TBC)
• Aladdin Rillo, Managing Director, ERIA (TBC)

Open discussion and Q&A

3:20 PM – 3:40 PM

Short Break

3:40 PM – 5:10 PM

Session 2. Aligning Trade and Environmental Policy for a Sustainable Future

This session will explore the synergies and tension between trade policy and environmental objectives, with focus on achieving climate and sustainability goals. It will include discussions on policy approaches for supporting the green transition, developing green supply chains, and enhancing regional and international cooperation to facilitate alignment.

Moderator: OECD, Development Centre

Panelists:

• Ruben Bibas, Economist, OECD, Environment Directorate
• Cassey Lee, Senior Fellow, ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute
• Denis Hew, Senior Research Fellow, Centre on Asia and Globalisation (CAG), Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
• World Bank, Resilient and Inclusive Supply-Chain Enhancement (RISE) (TBD)

Open discussion and Q&A

5:10 PM – 5:20 PM

Closing Remarks

• Dong-Ick Kim, Deputy Director, AMRO

AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 3

9:25 AM – 9:30 AM

Introductions

9:30 AM – 9:50 AM

Opening Remarks and Keynote Address

Opening Remarks

• Bambang Brodjonegoro, Dean of the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)

Keynote Address

• TBC

9:50 AM – 11:20 AM

Session 3. High-Level Policy Panel on Geoeconomic Fragmentation and Trade Implications

This high-level panel will explore the policy challenges and trade implications of rising geoeconomic fragmentation. Senior policymakers will discuss how shifting alliances, strategic decoupling, and evolving trade frameworks are reshaping global and regional economic integration, with implications for growth, resilience, and the multilateral trading system

Moderator: Dong He, Chief Economist, AMRO

Panelists:

• Edward Robinson, Deputy MD and Chief Economist, MAS (TBC)
• Albert Park, Chief Economist, ADB
• OECD Principal
• Bambang Brodjonegoro, Dean, ADBI
• ERIA Principal

Open discussion and Q&A

11:20 AM – 11:35 AM

Short Break

11:35 AM – 1:10 PM

Session 4. Trade Diversion, Supply Chains and National Security

This session will explore the evolving dynamics of global trade diversion and the multifaceted implications to ASEAN and East Asia arising from the shifts in US trade policy, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the unraveling of the principles of non-discrimination and Most-Favored Nation (MFN). It will examine strategic considerations, policy responses, and the potential impact on economic stability, with an emphasis on how the region could support for the rules-based system of international trade.

Moderator: ERIA

Panelists: TBC

Open discussion and Q&A

1:10 PM – 2:10 PM

Lunch break

2:10 PM – 3:40 PM

Session 5. Regional Integration and Sustainable Development in ASEAN

This panel will explore ASEAN’s ongoing efforts in strengthening regional cooperation and integration, including the transition toward a more unified single market and the adoption of digital and green initiatives. Amid global trends of disruption and fragmentation, ASEAN’s continued commitment to RCI offers valuable insights into sustainable regional development, enhanced economic connectivity, and the benefits this brings for trade, investment and growth. The session will also highlight the strategic role of capacity building and practical expertise in advancing these integration efforts.

Moderator: Phongpob Methakullawat, Economist, Capacity Building and Training, ADBI

Panelists:

• David Almirol, Undersecretary for e-Government, Philippines
• Deborah Elms, Head of Trade Policy, Hinrich Foundation
• Melinda Martinus, Lead Researcher, ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute
• Sanjay Kuttan, Chief Strategy Officer, Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation

Open discussion and Q&A

3:40 PM – 4:00 PM

Short Break

4:00 PM – 4:15 PM

Closing Remarks

• Abdurohman, Deputy Director, AMRO
• ADB (TBC)