KUALA LUMPUR: The Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) is advancing with US$39bil (RM165.32bil) in infrastructure and connectivity projects, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister stated that leaders are also committed to enhancing economic transformation, climate resilience, and cross-border development.
Anwar, who chaired the 16th IMT-GT Summit, said the focus would be on strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), tourism, halal sectors, agro-industries, and improving cross-border linkages.
“We are grateful to Thailand, especially for the swift action in clearing several border projects, including the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok bridge. These developments are moving well,” he said.
Anwar emphasised the urgent need to address climate change, which he noted has already impacted lives and livelihoods in the sub-region.
He thanked the ministers for their groundwork in preparing the summit discussions.
Anwar also congratulated Masato Kanda on his appointment as President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), welcoming continued support under his leadership.
Also present were Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto.
The summit included a presentation by Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli on enhancing sub-regional cooperation to address global challenges.
Earlier, a signing ceremony for the IMT-GT Framework of Cooperation in Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (FOC CIQ) was held.
This marks a significant step forward in regional integration.
The agreement underscores a shared commitment to seamless connectivity, improved trade flows, and more efficient cross-border travel.
The framework was signed by Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, and Thailand’s Deputy Finance Minister Julapan Amornvivat.
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