Details
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, essential for the transportation of crude oil, LNG, and other energy-related products. Recent geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region have increased concerns over disruptions to global trade, energy security, inflation, and the stability of international supply chains. These developments have also created growing uncertainty for investment decisions and long-term economic planning.
This international seminar brought together policymakers, researchers, and business representatives to examine the economic and geopolitical implications of the Strait of Hormuz crisis. Discussions focused on the resilience of global trade and supply chains, the impact of rising geopolitical risks on regional and global economies, and policy responses to increasing economic fragmentation. The seminar also explored how current instability is reshaping foreign direct investment (FDI) patterns and influencing sustainable development strategies in an increasingly uncertain global environment.
Agenda
Wednesday, September 16 2026
Welcome Remarks
- Mr. Paul Linnarz, Country Representative Japan, KAS Japan Office and Director, Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS)
Keynote Speech: Economic Impacts of the Strait of Hormuz Crisis
- Dr. Jayant Menon, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
- Mr. Philip M.A. Hoffmann, Member of the German Bundestag (CDU)
Panel 1: Energy Security, Strategic Investment, and Supply Chain Resilience under Geopolitical Risk
Panelists:
- Dr. Prabir De, Professor, Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), India
- Dr. Nathan Gray, Senior Research fellow, The Institute for International Trade (IIT), Adelaide University, Australia
- Ms. Nikita Singla, Visiting Fellow, Trade Facilitation & Logistics, Isaac Centre for Public Policy, Ashoka University, India
- Discussion and Q&A moderated by
Mr. Pana Janviroj, Executive Director, Institute for Strategic Policy, Thailand
Panel 2: The Strait of Hormuz Crisis and Rising Costs of Everyday Life
Panelists:
- Ms. Priyanka Kishore, Founder and Principal Economist, Asia Decoded, Singapore
- Dr. Josef Yap, Emeritus Research Fellow, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), The Philippines
- Dr. Eoin Drea, Senior Researcher, Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, Belgium
- Dr. Wannaphong Durongkaveroj, Associate Professor of Economics, Ramkhamhaeng University, Thailand
- Discussion and Q&A moderated by
Mr. Shojiro Kusumoto, Project Manager, KAS Japan SOPAS
Panel 3: Financial Geopolitics, Market Uncertainty, and Shifting FDI
Context Setting:
- Dr. Willem Thorbecke, Senior Fellow, Research Institute of Economy, Trade, and Industry (RIETI), Japan
Panelists:
- Dr. Eoin Drea, Senior Researcher, Wilfried Martens Centre for European Studies, Belgium
- Mr. Tom Becker, Economist, Trade, Investment and Innovation Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP)
- Dr. Darmp Sukontasap, Chairman of the Executive Board, Krungthep Sophon PCL; Director, International Institute for Trade and Development (ITD), Thailand
- Mr. Anushka Wijesinha, Co-Founder/Director, Center for A Smart Future, Sri Lanka
- Discussion and Q&A moderated by
Mr. Naoyuki Haraoka, Advisor, Japan Economic Foundation (JEF)
Thursday, June 18 2026
Panel 4: Labour Markets, Employment Challenges, and Investment Shifts in Times of Crisis
Panelists:
- Dr. Christian Viegelahn, Regional Economist, Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, International Labour Organization (ILO)
- Dr. The Anh Pham, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, National Economics University, Vietnam
- Mr. Dandy Rafitrandi, Researcher, Department of Economics, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Indonesia
- Discussion and Q&A moderated by
Mr. Shojiro Kusumoto, Project Manager, KAS Japan SOPAS
Panel 5: Changing Geography of FDI and Global Value Chains
Panelists:
- Ms. Anita Prakash, Research Lab Asia, India
- Dr. Maria Monica Wihardja, Fellow, ISEAS Yusof-Ishak-Institute, Singapore
- Dr. Paras Kharel, Executive Director, South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE), Nepal
- Discussion and Q&A moderated by
Mr. Shojiro Kusumoto, Project Manager, KAS Japan SOPAS
Public Event: “Navigating Global Uncertainty: Energy Security, Inflation, and the Future of Cross-Border Investment in the Indo-Pacific”
Opening Announcement
- Mr. Paul Linnarz, Country Representative Japan, Director Regional Economic Programme Asia (SOPAS, KAS)
Presentation: “FDI and Global Value Chains: From Dependent Development to Embedded Reciprocity”
- Dr. Josef Yap, Emeritus Research Fellow, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), The Philippines
Panel Discussion: "Trade, Investment and Economic Resilience in an Era of Global Uncertainty"
Panelists:
- Dr. Jayant Menon, Visiting Senior Fellow, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore
- Ms. Priyanka Kishore, Founder and Principal Economist, Asia Decoded, Singapore
- Ms. Nikita Singla, Visiting Fellow, Trade Facilitation & Logistics, Isaac Centre for Public Policy, Ashoka University, India
- Mr. Dandy Rafitrandi, Researcher, Department of Economics, Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Indonesia
Moderation:
- Mr. Pana Janviroj, Executive Director, Institute for Strategic Policy, Thailand
Networking Reception
- Toast Speech by Ms. Arfiya ERI, Member of the House of Representatives (LDP)
