1. We, the ASEAN Economic Ministers, met at the 32nd ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in Taguig, Philippines, and exchanged views on the evolving global and regional situation including the tension in the Middle East and its potential implications for the ASEAN region and global and regional economy. We are also closely following with concern the continued global trade uncertainties and unilateralism. We reaffirmed our commitment to ASEAN Centrality and recognised the need for continued regional coordination, vigilance, and policy preparedness amidst a challenging global environment.
2. We expressed deep concern over the continued tensions in the Middle East. The escalating conflict has generated broader economic repercussions beyond the region, particularly through heightened volatility in global energy markets and disruption of key maritime and supply chain routes, bringing about uncertainty and significant challenges to the economy, businesses and global trading dynamics. Such disruptions are leading to higher freight, insurance, and logistics costs and contribute to inflationary pressures on energy, food, and other essential goods. A prolonged period of geopolitical instability could pose sustained challenges to the global economic outlook, which has already been battered by multiple headwinds in recent years. It will also impact economic security and stability, the livelihoods of millions of people in the region, and hinder economic progress in ASEAN.

Download the full statement here.

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Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered a pre-recorded keynote speech at the ASEAN Space Situational Awareness (SSA) and Space Traffic Management (STM) Seminar held on 12 March 2026 in Manila, Philippines, jointly hosted by the Philippine Space Agency, Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency, and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). In his remarks, Dr. Kao highlighted the growing congestion and risks in Earth’s orbit and underscored the need to strengthen regional cooperation on space safety and governance. He called on stakeholders to translate the dialogue into concrete actions that would feed into the anticipated ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Space Cooperation, expected to be adopted at the ASEAN Summit later this year in the Philippines.

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Here’s the latest China NMPA regulatory and clinical affairs news for medical device and IVDs pros in March 2026. These updates are presented by China Med Device, LLC, your partner in Chinese market access. Policies China Cuts Import Tariffs on 28 Medical Devices and IVD Products in 2026; Artificial Joints and Certain Diagnostic Kits Now […]

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The NMPA approved Shanghai Lixiao’s thermal vapor therapy equipment and the single-use prostate thermal vapor therapy device on February 28, 2026. The thermal vapor therapy equipment consists of a main unit and a power cord. It is used in conjunction with the single-use prostate thermal vapor therapy device to alleviate symptoms and obstruction associated with […]

The post Milestone Approvals of Thermal Vapor Therapy Systems for BPH in China: Boston Scientific’s Rezūm and Domestic Innovation Pave the Way for Accelerated Market Access Through Real-World Evidence appeared first on China Med Device.

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