Asia must keep pushing for free trade after U.S. election: experts

TOKYO -- Asia must maintain the momentum for free trade and an open global economy after the U.S. presidential election this year, international affairs experts said at a symposium in Tokyo on Friday, as concerns grow over a possible increase in U.S. protectionism, depending on the outcome of the vote.

"I think it's vital to preserve the momentum of open economies and free trade wherever we can. We also need to strengthen supply chain resilience through diversification of these chains," Manu Bhaskaran, founding director and CEO of Singapore-based consultancy Centennial Asia Advisors, said of the implications for Asia of the U.S. presidential election.