ASEAN is committed to strengthening intra-regional trade, including aiming to increase trade volume among member states by at least 30% by 2030.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan said that ASEAN member states need to act as a more united and organized bloc to jointly respond to the impact of global conflicts, including shocks to regional trade, economy, and security, especially during the Middle East conflict.
He said ASEAN needs to focus on efforts to improve Free Trade Agreements (FTA) and promote the flow of goods among member states to strengthen intra-ASEAN trade.
"Intra-ASEAN trade volume has not yet reached 25%. We hope that by 2030, trade among ASEAN countries will reach at least 30%."
"We are reviewing the current situation, the obstacles faced, and the measures that need to be taken. Therefore, we hope to improve memorandums of understanding, the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement, and procedures for the movement of goods."
He told Malaysian media on Thursday (7th) that if possible, trade among ASEAN countries should also be exempt from tariffs.
He pointed out that the Middle East conflict is a wake-up call for ASEAN, showing that cooperation and mutual trust among member states can help address regional and global challenges.
"Every country has its own advantages. We need to find a formula to strengthen collaboration and help each other."
On the other hand, regarding the ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Economic Ministers Joint Meeting held on Thursday, Mohamad Hassan said this was an initiative launched during Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN with the aim of ensuring coordination between the political-security and economic pillars.
He said previously, ASEAN's development mainly focused on the political and security field, but now the focus has shifted to strengthening the economy and more comprehensive regional cooperation.
He pointed out that this joint meeting of ASEAN Foreign Ministers and Economic Ministers aims to ensure that all decisions coordinate among ASEAN's various pillars, including economic, social, and cultural fields.