Anwar to advocate for cooperation at Apec

Pushing for transparency: Zafrul speaking during a media briefing in conjunction with the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco yesterday. — Bernama

SAN FRANCISCO: Regional cooperation and building economic resilience amid post-pandemic and geopolitical challenges will be emphasised by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders’ Week here.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, will lead the Malaysian delegation to the 30th Apec Economic Leaders’ Meeting in San Francisco, California, from today to Nov 17.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, who is accompanying the Prime Minister on this official visit, said Malaysia’s position is for Apec to be more open and transparent.

“Cooperation is needed to boost the economy, especially for Malaysia (where the focus will be) the digital economy, green economy as well as halal economy.

“(And) it is important to bring major economies to the table for stability, which is important for global growth,” Tengku Zafrul told the Malaysian media here yesterday ahead of Anwar’s arrival in San Francisco today.

Anwar will be accompanied by his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir, Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil as well as other senior government officials.

Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia hopes Apec member economies would come together to strengthen regional cooperation and economic integration.

This is towards becoming “a more open, dynamic and resilient economy and a more peaceful Asia Pacific community by 2040, which is in line with the Apec Putrajaya Vision 2040,” he said, Bernama reported.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement that throughout Anwar’s engagement with Apec economic leaders and at various multilateral and bilateral platforms, the Prime Minister aims to highlight the Palestinian situation, advocating global support, humanitarian access and a just resolution to the conflict.

Anwar is also set to take the opportunity to share Malaysia’s priorities and principles under the Madani Economy Framework, emphasising inclusivity, sustainable development, and cooperation for shared prosperity, it said.

“While in San Francisco, the Prime Minister will also participate in the Apec Economic Leaders’ Informal Dialogue with Guests, namely with the leaders of Colombia, Fiji and India, the Apec Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Dialogue with Apec Economic Leaders, and the Apec 2023 CEO Summit.

“These events will serve as an opportunity for Anwar to articulate Malaysia’s perspectives on the current global economy and exchange views on pressing regional issues with influential chief executive officers, entrepreneurs and esteemed Apec leaders,” it added.

According to the statement, Anwar will also participate in the Second Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Leaders’ Meeting.