PM proposes stronger ties with the US to enhance global supply chains

WASHINGTON DC: Asean and the United States should create a conducive ecosystem to ensure unimpeded global supply chains, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

During his speech at the Asean-US Special Summit here on Friday (Saturday in Malaysia), he said the move was important in addressing health security and pandemic recovery issues.

He added that both sides should also collaborate in vaccine development through joint research programmes, networking and linkages in vaccine-related fields.

In fact, the 10-member group and the United States could strengthen cooperation in the detection, surveillance and response against infectious diseases and emerging health threats, he told US Vice-President Kamala Harris and other Asean leaders during a working lunch hosted by Harris in conjunction with the two-day summit held at the US State Department.

At the same time, he said Asean and the United States also needed to enhance sustainability in trade and investment, human capital development in digitalisation, economic resilience and integration in the region.

“Asean and the United States should harness the potential of digitalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he added.

On maritime cooperation, Ismail Sabri said that Malaysia believes Asean and the United States should do more to enhance cooperation in capacity building, as well as in exchanging and sharing of intelligence and information.

The initiatives could prevent, combat or counter criminal activities at sea, such as piracy, armed robbery at sea, smuggling and hijacking, he added. — Bernama