KUALA LUMPUR: Support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) must stay at the core of Asean's economic agenda in view of the increasingly volatile global situation, says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said the grouping must find ways to strengthen MSMEs so they can grow and become part of regional and global value chains.
“We must not burden them with unnecessary barriers but rather empower them to innovate, grow and integrate seamlessly into value chains,” he said in his opening remarks at the 57th Asean Economic Ministers (AEM)/39th Asean Free Trade Area (Afta) council meeting on Tuesday (Sept 23).
Tengku Zafrul urged all Asean officials to swiftly resolve outstanding issues, increase transparency and fast-track the implementation of critical trade facilitation measures.
He added that flagship initiatives such as the Asean Single Window (ASW), Asean Customs Transit System (ACTS), Asean Mutual Recognition Arrangements and the Asean Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement (Aamra) must be fully operational.
“These initiatives serve as strategic enablers that will lower transaction costs, enhance operational efficiency, and strengthen business confidence in Asean’s commitment to deeper regional economic integration,” he added.
At the same time, Tengku Zafrul also said he is pleased that Asean has successfully concluded negotiations for the upgrade of the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga).
The upgraded Atiga is on track to be signed at the upcoming Asean Summit in October.
“The upgraded Atiga, which is listed as one of the key priority economic deliverables under Malaysia’s chairmanship, is expected to modernise and future-proof our trade rules, close long-standing implementation gaps and unlock new opportunities for businesses of all sizes across our region,” he added.
He said that once the Atiga is signed, it is the collective priority of all Asean nations to ensure its timely ratification.
“This is not merely a procedural step; it signals Asean's commitment to deeper integration and to delivering tangible outcomes for our businesses and our people,” he added.
Among other related meetings, the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) ministers’ meeting and the Asean-EU business summit will take place on Thursday (Sept 25).
Meanwhile, a series of consultations will take place from Wednesday to Friday (Sept 24 to 26) with the United States, South Korea, Canada, India and Russia.
