Let’s transform at a fast pace, Najib tells Asean

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak called on Asean to embrace transformation by taking active steps to integrate, innovate and advance as they were crucial ingredients for Southeast Asia to emerge as a single and cohesive economic entity.

Asean, with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$2.6 trillion (RM10.8 trillion), is already the seventh largest economy in the world.

The fact that the World Economic Forum has chosen to focus on Asean specifically, this year, is a testament to the growing significance of the region.

"What Asean can be, its potential should be our call for action," he said, adding that the region has been criticised for moving slowly in the past.

"That might have been the right pace then, as much of our region recovered from war and division. The Asean way may have been steady, but it brought us unity, peace and prosperity," he said at the World Economic Forum on Asean titled, "Shaping The Asean Agenda For Inclusion and Growth" here Wednesday.

Today, however, Asean lives in a fast-paced world, and the demographic dividend of young populations would become a liability if the region does not take active steps to integrate, innovate and advance.

"So, now we need the transformation of Asean," he added.

The prime minister, among others, touched upon the number of trade negotiations and deals that the region is involved in.

"So much attention is being paid to Asean. We should be flattered," he quipped.

However, in order to realise the potential of all the agreements and associations, he said it was essential that Asean carry on the process of deepening its community, which is indeed a big task.

"We need to find more efficient ways of ensuring we recognise each others documentations, whether it is for pharmaceutical products, professional certificates or port entry requirements," he stressed.

Najib said the Asean Economic Community would never reach its true fruition if the region does not work to eradicate barriers.

"When we talk about the bright future that Asean could have, these are the kind of issues that have to be tackled in order for us to reach that horizon.

"They are complex, detailed and require an extraordinary amount of coordination," he said.

The prime minister also shared Malaysia's experience of implementing the Government Transformation Programme and the New Economic Model, introduced seven years ago when he assumed office. - Bernama