WT/GC/ 210 
1 May 2020 
(20-3386) Page: 1/7 
 Original:  English  
 
  
ASEAN DECLARATION AN D STATEMENTS ON COVI D-19 
The following communication, dated 30 April 2020, is being circulated at the request of the 
delegation of Viet Nam.  
 
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I.  DECLARATION OF THE SPECIAL ASEAN SUMMIT ON  CORONAVIRUS DISEASE  2019 
(COVID -19) 
1.  We, the Heads of State/Government of the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian 
Nations (ASEAN) held the Special ASEAN Summit via video conference on 1 4 April 2020. The Summit 
was chaired by H.E. Nguyen Xuan  Phuc, Prime Minister of Viet Nam, in his capacity as Chair of 
ASEAN.  
2.  We expressed our serious concerns about the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19), 
which the World Health Organization (WHO) declared as a pandemic on 1 1 March  2020, and its 
negative effects on the well -being of the people and global socio -economic developments.  
3.  We were deeply saddened by the loss of life and the suffering caused by the pandemic . We also 
commended our medical professionals, healthcare workers and other frontline p ersonnel.  
4.  Recalling the Chairman 's Statement on ASEAN Collective Response to the Outbreak of 
Coronavirus Disease 2019 of 1 4 February  2020, we reaffirmed our determination and commitment, 
in the spirit of a Cohesive and Responsive ASEAN, to remain united, and to act jointly and decisively 
to control the spread of the disease while mitigating its adverse impact on our people 's livelihood, 
our societies and economies.  
5.  We appreciated the extensive measures undertaken by each ASEAN Member State and the timely 
efforts by the ASEAN Health Sector and other sectoral bodies of ASEAN, in collaboration with ASEAN 's 
external partners and the internati onal community, to prevent, detect, control and respond to the 
spread of COVID -19 and address its severe and multi -faceted challenges.  
6.  Recognising our interconnectedness and vulnerabilities in the face of COVID -19, we emphasised 
the critical importance of a coherent, multi -sectoral, multi - stakeholder and whole -of-ASEAN 
Community approach in ensuring ASEAN 's timely and effective response to the pandemic.  
7.  We recognised the important role of the WHO and committed to working closely with the WHO, 
relevant orga nisations and the international community towards enhancing our collective pandemic 
preparedness and response . We underscored  the value of regular and timely exchange of information 
and sharing of best practices among ASEAN Member States and with ASEAN 's external partners in 
effectively responding to COVID -19. 
8.  We called for further enhancement of a caring and sharing ASEAN Community where ASEAN 
Member States help each other in this challenging time.  
9.  Building upon existing efforts by individual ASEAN Member State and that of the ASEAN 
Community, we hereby resolve to:  WT/GC/ 210 
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  i. Further strengthen public health cooperation measures to contain the pandemic and 
protect the people, including, inter alia , through timely and transparent exchange of 
information on real time situation and pandemic response measures taken by Member 
States, sharing of experience and best practices in epidemiological research and 
development, clinical treatment, joint research and development of vaccines and 
anti-viral medicines, enhancing c apacity for the public health systems of ASEAN Member 
States while protecting and ensuring the safety of public health workers.  
- In this regard, we commend the efforts to enhance practical cooperation among ASEAN 
defence establishments to organise informati on and best practice sharing activities, and 
with our external partners, bilaterally or multilaterally, including the holding of a 
tabletop exercise on public health emergencies response by the ASEAN Center of Military 
Medicine (ACMM) ; and the Network of A SEAN Chemical, Biological and Radiological 
Defence Experts in promoting scientific cooperation and enhancing professional 
linkages, as agreed by the ASEAN Defence Ministers in their Joint Statement on Defence 
Cooperation against Disease Outbreak of 1 9 February 2020. 
- Intensify cooperation for adequate provision of medicines, essential medical supplies 
and equipment, including, but not limited to diagnostic tools, personal protective 
equipment etc. and encourage the development of regional reserves of medical  supplies 
as well as utilising relevant ASEAN reserve warehouses to support the needs of ASEAN 
Member States in public health emergencies.  
- Strengthen the implementation of the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR) 
(2005) and consider formulating an AS EAN standard operating procedure (SOP) for 
public health emergencies.  
- Bolster national and regional epidemic preparedness and response, including through 
the possible setting up of a network of experts on public health emergencies for future 
need, strength ening the capacity of existing ASEAN 's emergencies response network 
namely the ASEAN Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Network, the ASEAN Risk 
Assessment and Risk Communication Centre, the ASEAN BioDiaspora Virtual Center 
(ABVC) and the ASEAN Centre for Hu manitarian Assistance on disaster management 
(AHA Centre) for future public health emergencies.  
ii. Prioritise the well -being of our peoples in ASEAN 's collective fight against COVID -19, 
and provide appropriate assistance and support to the nationals of ASEAN Member 
States affected by the pandemic in each other 's country or in third countries.  
- Encourage the effective operationalisation of the ASEAN Guidelines on the Provision of 
Emergency Ass istance by ASEAN Mission in Third Countries to Nationals of ASEAN 
Member Countries in Crisis Situations.  
iii. Enhance effective and transparent public communication involving multiple forms of 
media including timely updates of relevant government policies, publ ic health and safety 
information, clarifications on misinformation, and efforts to reduce stigmatisation and 
discrimination . Encourage the ASEAN information sector to strengthen cooperation in 
countering misinformation and fake news, as well as to develop a set of guidelines and 
a possible common platform to facilitate timely sharing of information in ASEAN.  
iv. Reaffirm our commitment to take collective action and coordinate policies in mitigating 
the economic and social impact from the pandemic, safeguarding the people 's 
well-being and maintaining socio -economic stability.  
- Task our ministers and officials to implement the ASEAN Economic Ministers ' Joint 
Statement  on Strengthening ASEAN 's Economic Resilience in Response to the Outbreak 
of COVID -19 of 1 0 March  2020, including, inter alia : WT/GC/ 210 
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  - Remain committed to keeping ASEAN 's markets open for trade and investment, and 
enhance cooperation among ASEAN Member States and also with ASEAN 's external 
partners with a view to ensuring food security, such as the utilisation of the ASEAN Plus 
Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR), and strengthening the resiliency and 
sustainability of regional supply chains, especially for food, commodities, medicines, 
medical and essential supplies.  
- Implement appropriate measures to boost con fidence and improve stability of the 
regional economy, including through policy  stimulus, assist people and businesses 
suffering from the impact of COVID -19, especially the micro, small and medium 
enterprises (MSMEs) and vulnerable groups.  
- Cooperate in ens uring social safety net for our peoples, preventing social disruption and 
instability as a consequence of negative impact of the pandemic, continue efforts to 
design and implement  risk-informed and shock -responsive social protection systems to 
reduce the vulnerabilities of at -risk populations and improve their overall resilience.  
- Encourage the development of a post -pandemic recovery plan to share lessons learned, 
restore ASEAN 's connectivity, tourism, normal business and social activities, prevent 
potential economic downturns.  
v. Stress the importance of a multi -stakeholder, multi -sectoral, and comprehensive 
approach by ASEAN to effectively respond to COVID -19 and future public health 
emergencies . Commend the active role of the ASEAN Coordinating Council ( ACC) and 
the good work of the ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group on Public Health 
Emergencies (ACCWG -PHE) and other relevant sectoral bodies of ASEAN . Instruct the 
ACCWG -PHE to assist the ACC serving as the main platform that coordinates ASEAN 's 
overall response to public health emergencies situations.  
vi. Task our Economic Ministers and Senior Economic Officials to explore an arrangement 
to preserve supply chain connectivity, particularly amongst ASEAN Member States, that 
provides for trade to continue f or the smooth flow of essential goods, including medical, 
food and essential supplies ; ensures our critical infrastructure for trade and trading 
routes via air, land and sea ports remain open ; and refrain from imposing unnecessary 
restrictions on the flow of medical, food and essential supplies, in accordance with the 
rights and obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) covered agreements, 
the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and principles of international law.  
vii. Support reallocating existin g available funds and encourage technical and financial 
support from ASEAN 's partners to facilitate cooperation against COVID -19, including the 
proposed establishment of the COVID -19 ASEAN Response Fund.  
- We tasked the ACC, supported by the ACCWG -PHE to ove rsee ASEAN 's coordinate d 
effort s in respondin g to COVID -19 and addressin g its socio-economic challenges, 
regularly report to the ASEAN Leaders with appropriate recommendations for further 
guidance and instructions . In this regard, we call on all relevant sectoral bodies of 
ASEAN to fully and closely cooperate with ACC in realising the commitments and 
agreements by the Leaders set forth in this Declaration.  
- We pledge to remain united and vigilant against COVID -19 and commit to work closely 
with the  WHO, ASEAN 's external partners and the international community to suppress 
the spread o f the pandemic, protect people 's lives and livelihoods, maintain 
socio-economic stability while sustaining ASEAN Community building momentum for 
sustainable development , inclusive growth and leaving no one behind.  
 
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  II.  STRENGTHENING ASEAN'S ECONOMIC RES ILIENCE IN RESPONSE TO THE OUTBREAK 
OF THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID -19) 
WE, the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM), gathered in Da Nang, Viet Nam, on 1 0 March  2020 for 
the 26th AEM Retreat:  
 
EXPRESS our deep concern over the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19), which 
has affected the lives of peoples as well as economies a round the world;  
 
CONVEY our sympathies to those countries, ASEAN and non -ASEAN alike, that have been affected 
by this disease;  
 
RECALL the Chairman 's Statement on ASEAN Collective Response to the Outbreak of Coronavirus 
Disease 2019 , which emphasised the "importance of ASEAN solidarity and the spirit of a Cohesive 
and Responsive ASEAN Community in facing the outbreak of COVID -19 and similar challenges "; 
 
ACKNOWLEDGE on-going efforts by individual ASEAN Member States, ASEAN sectoral bodies as 
well as other economies in controlling the spread of the virus and in the impact of COVID -19; 
 
COMMEND the significant contribution of health and non -health personnel helping those affected 
by COVID -19; 
 
RECOGNISE the adverse impacts of the COVID -19 outbreak on the economy, particularly including 
but not limited to the travel and tourism, manufacturing, retail and other services sectors as well as 
the disruption of supply chains and the financial markets;  
 
EMPHASISE the urgent need for concerted efforts to avoid further adverse impacts in the global 
economy brought about by the COVID -19 outbreak;  
 
NOTED the Chairman 's Press Statement on COVID -19 released by the ASEAN Coordinating Council 
(ACC) in Vientiane, Lao PDR on 2 0 February  2020, which reaffirmed the region 's commitment to 
maintaining ASEAN 's open economic and integration policies and fostering regional  resilience, while 
standing ready to explore cooperation with ASEAN 's external partners and the international 
community to enhance readiness and response measu res to mitigate and eliminate the impact of 
the COVID -19; 
 
AGREE that counter -measure restrictions on cross -border movements should be based on public 
health considerations, and should not unnecessarily restrict trade within the region ; and 
 
AGREE to take a collective course of action to mitigate the economic impact of COVID -19, and 
RESOLVE to: 
 
- remain committed in keeping the ASEAN market open for trade and investment;  
- strengthen regional information sharing and coordination and collaboration efforts in 
responding to the economic challenges brought about by the COVID -19 outbreak;  
- work closely with industry stakeholders to instil confidence in Southeast Asia as a trade 
and investment hub, and tourism destination in the region;  
- leverage on technologies and di gital trade to allow businesses, especially the micro, 
small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to continue operations amidst the COVID -19 
outbreak;  
- strengthen a long -term supply chain resilience and sustainability, including through 
better transparency, agili ty, diversification and, in particular, the implementation of the 
Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025;  
- enhance ASEAN economic cooperation with external and development partners to 
include initiatives aimed at strengthening regional supply chains to make them more 
resilient and less vulnerable to internal and external shocks;  
- build on existing trade facilitating platforms in ASEAN, such as the ASEAN Single Window 
(ASW), to promote and support supply chain connectivity;  WT/GC/ 210 
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  - refrain from actions t hat can create unnecessary inflationary pressures or adversely 
impact on food security in the region, and endeavour to ensure the availability of basic 
goods and commodities ; and 
- continue addressing non -tariff barriers, particularly those that impede the s mooth flow 
of goods and services in supply chains, and refrain from imposing new and unnecessary 
non-tariff measures.  
 
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III.  STATEMENT OF ASEAN MINISTERS ON AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY  IN RESPONSE 
TO THE OUTBREAK OF THE CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID -19) TO ENSURE FOOD 
SECURITY, FOOD SAFETY AND NUTRITION IN ASEAN  
We, the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF) express our deep concern over the 
outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19), which has affected the lives of people and 
economies, including food, agriculture and forestry sectors in ASEAN and globally.  
 
We emphasise the importance of the food, agriculture and forestry sector, and urge to ensure that 
essential, safe and nutritious produce can continu e to reach ASEAN markets during the outbreak of 
COVID -19. 
 
We note with concern the potential impact of the COVID -19 outbreak on ASEAN cooperation in food, 
agriculture and forestry as well as disruption to the food supply chain in the region.  
 
We note the FAO Policy Brief on COVID -19 and the risk to food supply chains : How to respond ? and 
agree that as countries combat the COVID -19 pandemic, they must also make every effort to keep 
the gears of their food supply chains moving.  
 
We note the ASEAN Ch airman's Statement on ASEAN Collective Response to the Outbreak of the 
Coronavirus Disease 2019, which expresses the solidarity and unity of ASEAN in their efforts to 
address the COVID -19 pandemic.  
 
We recall the ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Statement on  Strengthening ASEAN 's Economic 
Resilience in Response to the Outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID -19), which resolved to 
remain committed in keeping the ASEAN market open for trade and investment.  
 
We note that the COVID -19 outbreak has drawn our at tention on the immediate danger of food 
shortage and its adverse effect on nutrition, given a sudden spike in demand and disruption in supply 
chains, ASEAN needs to also continue its efforts to ensure stable and sustainable food sources.  
 
We acknowledge on -going efforts by individual ASEAN Member States and ASEAN Sectoral Bodies 
in monitoring and mitigating the spread of the COVID -19, as well as its social and economic impact.  
 
In order to contribute to overcoming the challenges posed by the COVID -19 outbre ak, and to ensure 
sustainable supply of sufficient, affordable, safe and nutritious foods that meet the dietary 
requirements of the ASEAN populations, we agree to:  
 
a. Reaffirm our commitments in the implementation of the Statement of ASEAN Ministers o n 
Agricultur e and Forestr y on Food Securit y and Nutritio n to improv e storage,  preservation, 
transport and distribution technologies and infrastructure to reduce food insecurity, food 
nutrient loss and waste;  
b. Minimise disruptions in regional food supply chains by working closely together to ensure 
that markets are kept open and transportation of agricultural and food products are 
facilitated, and that quarantine or other non -tariff measures do not impede or slow down 
the free flow of agricultural and food  products in the region;  
c. Ensure that trade lines remain open, including via air, sea and land freight, to facilitate the 
flow of agricultural and food products, and that critical infrastructure such as our air and 
seaports remain open to support the viabil ity and integrity of supply chains;  
d. In accordance with the rights and obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) 
covered agreements and the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), refrain from 
imposing new export control, restrictions and prohibi tions, tariffs and non - tariff barriers;  
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  e. Strive to reduce excessive price volatility particularly price spikes, ensure adequate 
emergency food and reserves and provide timely and accurate market information through 
the effective implementation of the ASEAN  Food Security Information System (AFSIS) and 
ASEAN Plus Three Rice Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR);  
f. Continue efforts to the implementation of the ASEAN Guidelines on Promoting Responsible 
Investment in Food, Agriculture and Forestry to increase resilience  to, and contribute to 
the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, natural disasters and other shocks;  
g. Strengthen AMAF 's joint efforts in advocating, facilitating and implementing the ASEAN 
Food Safety Policy (AFSP) and the ASEAN Food Safety Regula tory Framework (AFSRF) to 
provide direction to relevant ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and ASEAN Member States with the 
goal of protecting the health of ASEAN consumers, ensuring fair practices in food trade and 
facilitating the free movement of safe food products in ASEAN;  
h. Reaffirm support towards ensuring food safety by working together in the region, 
recognising the importance of risk assessment in developing evidence -based food safety 
measures, which are coordinated with relevant sectors;  
i. Work towards sustaining  nutrition security with other relevant sectors to maintain access 
and utilisation of adequate supply of nutrients to ensure healthy living;  
j. Strengthen the role of the ASEAN Food Security Reserve Board (AFSRB) to promptly 
provide periodic exchanges of info rmation on national food and agricultural policies and 
stocking policies as well as production, consumption and storage programmes pertaining 
to basic food commodities among ASEAN Member States;  
k. Undertake a periodic evaluation of the food situation and pro spects in the ASEAN region as 
well as worldwide, including trade, prices, quality and stocks of basic food commodities 
(such as rice, maize and sugar) through the ASEAN Food Security Reserv e Board (AFSRB ) 
as focal point, as well as AFSIS and APTERR in coor dinating with relevant Working Groups 
(food, crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry) under SOM AMAF.  
We look forward to further exchange of views and collaboration in food, agriculture and forestry 
development with other sectors and partners to address t he adverse impacts of COVID -19. We will 
strive to keep ASEAN food, agriculture and forestry strong during the COVID -19 outbreak by 
continuously maintaining production, supporting value chains and ensuring access to workforce.  
 
We urge ASEAN Member States to implement necessary measures, projects and programmes at the 
national level to meet the immediate food needs of ASEAN populations, particularly vulnerable 
groups in society, boost ASEAN Member States ' social protection programmes and support all 
stakeholders, including smallholder farmers, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), 
to increase food production and ensure food security in the region.  
 
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