PM: Madani can boost Asean growth

JAKARTA: Malaysia is prepared to contribute through its Madani Economic Framework to enhance economic growth, promote trade and strengthen various industries among Asean members, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said Asean had achieved unprecedented socio-economic advancements from reducing poverty levels to increasing inter-regional trade and advancing technological innovations.

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Despite global economic uncertainties, he pointed out that Asean had a combined GDP nearing US$3 trillion (RM13.6 trillion), making it the fifth largest economy globally.

He said Asean was also projected to become the fourth largest economy by 2030.

“Moving forward, we must push for greater economic integration within Asean and strive towards a regional economic architecture that is vibrant, inclusive, sustainable and resilient,” he said during Malaysia’s intervention at the plenary session of the 43rd Asean Summit and Related Summits here yesterday.

Anwar also called for an increase in intra-Asean trade, which stands at only 22.3% now.

“Greater strategic arrangements should be undertaken to enhance market integration and facilitate the movement of goods, capital, a skilled workforce and technology sharing among ourselves as well as with our external partners.

United we stand: (From left) Cook Islands’ Prime Minister Mark Brown, Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin, Philippines’ presidentFerdinand Marcos Jr, Singapore’s Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Thailand’s permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign affairs SarunCharoensuwan, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo, Laos’ Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Brunei’sSultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Hun Manet, Anwar and Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao holding hands during the opening ceremony of theAsean Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. — AP

“Partnership with external partners to contribute towards this aim should also be heightened,” he added.

Aside from that, Anwar announced that the Asean and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) had both agreed that the Asean-GCC Summit would be held in Saudi Arabia on Oct 20.

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“Two outcome documents are proposed, which are a joint statement on the Asean-GCC Summit and Asean-GCC Framework of Cooperation (2024–2028). They are being negotiated by our officials.”

He also conveyed his appreciation to the Philippines for its readiness to assume the Asean chairmanship in 2026.

Yesterday, Anwar and other leaders were present as well at the opening session of the Asean-Indo-Pacific Forum.

He was given a tour of the booths of big companies in Indonesia and the region.

The Prime Minister attended a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet too.

Another event that he attended was “Temu Anwar”, a youth dialogue programme that was held abroad for the first time here at the Redtop Hotel and Convention Centre.

Indonesian celebrities, Raffi Ahmad and his wife, Nagita Slavina were present, too.