Tengku Zafrul, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, called for the continued advancement of structural reforms at both the national and ASEAN levels, noting that in the face of intensifying geopolitical and economic uncertainties, ASEAN must remain strong.
He pointed out that it is of great importance to engage in dialogue with all like-minded partners and uphold the principle of non-alignment.
He said that ASEAN has remained intact in the face of the reciprocal tariff policy challenges announced by the United States on “Liberation Day,” and that it can be said that “at critical moments, in critical locations, we meet all the needs of our region as one.”
Delivering a speech at the 2025 PRAXIS Public Policy Conference today (7th), he said: “The processes of diversification and economic integration must continue. Reform must also continue, because ultimately, a strong ASEAN market with a population of 680 million is a valuable asset that can help us get through these fragmented times.”