KOTA TINGGI: Malaysia's chairmanship arrives at a pivotal point for Asean, with Trump 2.0, geopolitical and geo-economic tensions, ongoing wars and conflicts, rising multipolarity, and climate change collectively disrupting Asean's sustainable growth, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said that Asean member states must chart Asean's economic trajectory and carefully navigate their way in the changing world order amidst major operational challenges.
The 31st Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat, scheduled for Friday (Feb 28), serves as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration and dialogue among Asean ministers.
"Against such a challenging backdrop, Malaysia has proposed a set of carefully curated Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) under our chairmanship.
"We hope to receive all countries' endorsement during the ministers' retreat tomorrow," he said in his opening remarks at the 31st AEM Retreat welcoming dinner at Desaru Coast Conference Centre, near here on Thursday (Feb 27).
He emphasised that Asean members must stand united to spearhead efforts aimed at creating greater growth opportunities for the region.
"It is important for us to collaborate closely so we can transform all these obstacles into opportunities for inclusive and sustainable prosperity across Asean.
"The PEDs reflect our determination to collectively develop effective strategies that can leverage each of our unique strengths for Asean's greater good," he said.
By working together, Asean can improve its negotiating leverage with trading and investment partners to foster innovation and enhance member states' capacity.
"This is key to creating a sustainable and resilient economic framework. This will also enable us to tackle current issues, prepare for future challenges and opportunities, and position Asean as a reliable and dynamic player in the global economy," he stated.
Tengku Zafrul highlighted the importance of promoting Asean as the world's manufacturing and services hub in a way that utilises its workers and natural resources fairly and equitably.
"This is why we have chosen Inclusivity and Sustainability as our chairmanship's theme," he added.
Tengku Zafrul is set to chair the retreat on Friday, where Asean members are expected to discuss 18 PEDs aimed at strengthening regional economic integration, enhancing inclusivity, promoting sustainability, and driving digital trade within Asean. – Bernama
