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Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia is actively promoting the upgrading of existing trade agreements with ASEAN member countries and dialogue partners to strengthen its commitment to building a more integrated and resilient regional economy.
“ASEAN has laid a solid foundation, guiding us through conflicts and crises, be it sovereignty and border issues, the pandemic, or climate disasters.”
“ASEAN has promoted regional economic integration through initiatives like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and in the future, through the Digital Economy Framework Agreement. We will continue to adhere to the founding principles of ASEAN and its enduring potential, but we must go further to enhance our collective resolve.”
He said this while delivering the keynote address at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable themed “Recalibrating Frontiers in Asia” today (19th).
Anwar said that as a driver of change, Malaysia, as the rotating ASEAN chair, must not only embody ASEAN’s values but also attempt to shape them.
He emphasized that ASEAN must confront the stark realities within the regional framework, reaffirm its commitment to shared responsibility, and strengthen cooperation beyond rhetoric.
“We are preparing for a challenging world. We must enhance regional integration, expand economic connections, and actively seize future growth catalysts, including digital transformation, the exponential growth of artificial intelligence, and energy transitions.”
Referring to the rise of protectionism, Anwar noted that trade is the foundation of regional security, not a peripheral issue; it is a pillar of regional stability. When trade weakens, divisions emerge.
He emphasized that the recently held ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council-China Summit clearly demonstrated ASEAN’s influence and its commitment to leveraging economic synergies and fostering institutional cooperation.
He also mentioned that the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) will unlock the vast potential of the regional digital economy. More importantly, closer interconnectivity within the region will create new opportunities for local businesses to expand their operations across the region.
As the global economy shifts toward sustainability, Anwar said ASEAN must quickly adapt to seize emerging green opportunities and partnerships.
He pointed out that sustainable development not only has economic value but is also urgent due to the severe impacts of climate change on livelihoods.
“Only by building a greener and more resilient region can a truly people-centered ASEAN be realized.”