#China #GCC #ASEAN

Strengthening Regional Supply Chain Resilience: The Role of China, ASEAN, and GCC

In recent developments, China, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are enhancing their collaborative frameworks to bolster regional economic cooperation and stability in supply chains. These initiatives reflect a growing awareness of the interconnected nature of global trade and the importance of resilience in supply chains, especially in light of recent economic challenges.

On May 26, 2025, the ASEAN-China Economic Forum took place with nearly 200 representatives from both public and private sectors. Ren Hongbin, Chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), highlighted the critical agreements recently established between China and ASEAN, particularly with Malaysia. These agreements aim to deepen cooperation under initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The representatives from ASEAN recognized the immense potential for collaboration with China, particularly in technology and industrial sectors. Malaysia and its neighboring countries expressed their intent to actively participate in the upcoming 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), where the focus will be on developing an open and stable regional supply chain network.

The CISCE has gained significant attention as the first national-level supply chain expo globally and is poised to attract hundreds of international companies. Past events have facilitated trade deals surpassing 300 billion RMB, and this year's expo is expected to showcase innovative technologies in its newly introduced