IPOH: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will meet leaders from Pakistan, the Maldives and Kosovo soon to discuss recent challenges in global trade.
He said there was a need to take such steps especially given the imposition of reciprocal tariffs by the United States.
“Do we simply complain, or do we act?
“In my discussions with Asean leaders, with the President of China, and soon, with the Presidents of Maldives, Kosovo, and Pakistan who are scheduled to visit Malaysia, we (aim to reach) a consensus," he said at the launch of the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport upgrade project here on Friday (April 25).
“The most important step is to build our domestic capabilities.
"We must instil public confidence that we can be self-reliant and grow using our own strengths.
“At the same time, we are expanding our networks in Asean, throughout Asia in China, India, Australia, Japan and South Korea, while also opening new markets in Europe.
"Currently, we are also growing closer to Brazil.
“Just two nights ago, I had an online discussion with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the President of Brazil and the President of Turkiye, among others, where we discussed how to expand our markets and increase domestic tourism.
“One of the key points raised in Asean discussions is how to boost intra-Asian tourism.
“That is why we must compete with better facilities, better execution, and a higher level of efficiency from all officers,” he added.