Representatives from OSCE participating States and the Asian Partners for Co‑operation gathered in Vienna today to address the growing challenges of economic security and supply chain resilience. The meeting, chaired by Finland in its capacity as Chair of the OSCE Asian Partners for Co‑operation Group (APCG) and co-organized with Japan, focused on strengthening inter‑regional co‑operation and safeguarding market integrity amid an increasingly volatile global environment.
Discussions underscored the indivisibility of economic security between the Euro‑Atlantic and Indo‑Pacific regions. Participants emphasized that disruptions in one region can have immediate and far‑reaching consequences for the other.
"The OSCE's strength lies in assessing the risk of economic pressure and potential supply chain vulnerabilities for comprehensive security. Our platform for dialogue today enables 57 participating States to come together with Asian Partners to try and build trust, transparency, and to discuss risk management strategies," underlined Ambassador Hatun Demirer, Director of the Office of the OSCE Secretary General.
A central theme of the meeting was the growing use of economic dependencies and supply chain vulnerabilities as instruments of pressure. Delegates examined the rise of non‑transparent maritime practices, including vessels operating outside established reporting and safety frameworks, which pose serious environmental risks and challenge the stability of global trade.
"Russia's war against Ukraine is disrupting regional and global supply chains and creating far‑reaching consequences for economic security. The shadow fleet Russia uses to evade sanctions poses serious risks to maritime safety, the environment, and rules‑based maritime order. We underscore the need for flag states to fulfil their responsibilities and to strengthen the capacity to monitor and control such vessels. Furthermore, we need to enhance co-operation with our Asian partners because economic resilience cannot be achieved alone," emphasized Ambassador Vesa Häkkinen, Chairperson of the OSCE Asian Partners for Co‑operation Group and Permanent Representative of Finland to the OSCE.
Participants also explored practical strategies to mitigate these risks, including diversification of supply routes through initiatives such as the Middle Corridor.
"Strengthening supply chains, protecting critical infrastructure, and promoting critical technologies form the essential foundation for building a sustainable and resilient society," said Ambassador IWAMA Kiminori, Permanent Representative of Japan to the OSCE.
The meeting reaffirmed the OSCE's role as an inclusive platform for dialogue and confidence‑building. Participants highlighted that the Organization's comprehensive approach to security is essential for addressing emerging risks and maintaining market integrity through trusted partnerships.
The OSCE Asian Partners for Co‑operation Group includes Afghanistan, Australia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Thailand. The Asian Partnership provides a platform for dialogue, joint activities, and the exchange of experiences and best practices, fostering closer co‑operation and building synergies between the OSCE region and Asia.
