As the ASEAN Chair in 2025, Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar is expected to amplify the collective voice of the 10 ASEAN countries on the global stage during the 2025 World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting.
Malaysia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Datuk Nazrah, noted that Anwar's attendance at the WEF Annual Meeting has great potential to attract new trade and investment opportunities that align with Malaysia's long-term economic goals, while enhancing the country's image and leadership, in line with Malaysia's role as the ASEAN chair.
"The Prime Minister can present ASEAN and regional countries' priorities, initiatives, and challenges in Davos, including common concerns such as climate change, renewable energy, digital transformation, and sustainable development."
"This creates opportunities for strategic cooperation between ASEAN and the international community, particularly in areas of investment and technological financing."
She mentioned this during a press conference in conjunction with the Prime Minister's participation in the WEF Annual Meeting in Davos from January 20 to 22.
Anwar will arrive in Davos on the evening of Monday (20th) after completing a working visit to Brussels, Belgium, marking the final stop following his working visits to Abu Dhabi, UAE, and London, UK.
Nazrah mentioned that Anwar will participate in a series of high-impact projects, including engaging in national strategic dialogues with global business leaders and sharing Malaysia's strategic priorities in trade and investment, exploring cooperation opportunities, and enhancing national economic resilience.
He will also hold an international media briefing session titled "Unlocking ASEAN's Digital Future: Driving Inclusive Growth and Global Competitiveness", highlighting the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and opportunities for digital economic transformation.
"The Prime Minister will also deliver a keynote speech at the ASEAN plenary session, titled 'More United', discussing the priorities of Malaysia as ASEAN chair in 2025 and ASEAN's vital role in shaping the global economic landscape."
Additionally, Anwar is expected to engage in a series of bilateral meetings with leaders of specific countries and corporations to strengthen cooperation on mutual interests.
This includes business leaders from AstraZeneca, DP World, Medtronic, Nestle, and Google, as well as bilateral talks with the Prime Ministers of Libya and the Netherlands, and a courtesy call with the founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, Klaus Schwab.
The 2025 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, themed "Collaboration in the Smart Era", will be held from January 20 to 24, discussing the role and contributions of emerging technologies and the latest innovations in addressing global economic issues.
The discussions at this annual meeting will focus on five key themes: industries in the smart era, rebuilding trust, reimagining growth, investing in people, and protecting the planet.