ASEAN Economic Community Council Discusses 11 Agendas, Zafrul Urges Reduction of Dependence on External Regions

(Kuala Lumpur, 25th) The 25th ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) convened on Sunday (May 25th), on the eve of the 46th ASEAN Summit, with 11 agendas for member country representatives to discuss, focusing on deepening cooperation.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul delivered the opening address, pointing out that the current economic environment requires ASEAN member countries to strengthen cooperation and commit to promoting common interests.
“At the same time, we also need to explore internally how to enhance ASEAN regional trade to reduce reliance on extraterritorial partners.”
He emphasized that ASEAN takes cautious and wise measures in responding to recent changes in US economic policies.
“We have not taken retaliatory actions but chose dialogue and cooperation. ASEAN member countries are committed to not taking retaliatory measures and emphasize that open communication is key to building balanced and sustainable relationships.”
He also said that this cautious stance has prevented escalation and laid the foundation for cooperation between ASEAN, the US, and other major economies.

The meeting was chaired by Tengku Zafrul, with attendees including Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong, Brunei's Second Minister of Finance and Economy Dato Awang Mohd Amin, Cambodia's Minister of Commerce Pan Sorasak; Vietnam's Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Indonesia's Minister of Trade Budi and Laos' Minister of Industry and Trade Malavone.
Other representatives include, Philippines Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Allen Caposdi, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, Thailand's Minister of Commerce Jurin Laksanawisit, and Timor-Leste Deputy Prime Minister Agio Pereira.