KUALA LUMPUR: The turbulence of tariffs, restrictions and shifting trade policies reshaping global supply chains underscores the importance of regional cooperation, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said that as Asean chair, Malaysia proposes that progress be measured not only in figures, but in dignity of work, family wellbeing and fairness of opportunity.
He said this in his departing remarks at the GoTrade Summit 2025 hosted by DHL Group with Matrade in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday (Oct 21).
Anwar said that the event supported by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry is the first time the summit is held outside Germany.
Also present were MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and DHL Group CEO John Pearson.
Anwar said the world needs a renewed commitment to fairness and results in global trade, not more rhetoric of rules.
“Through the GoTrade initiative, DHL has empowered thousands of MSMEs, including women owned businesses, to reach global markets and compete with confidence,” he said.
Anwar then added that it is time to move beyond the old system of global cooperation based on multilateralism.
“What the world needs is not more rhetoric of rules, but a renewed commitment to fairness and results,” he said.
“Tariffs, restrictions and fluid trade policies are reshaping global supply chains,” he said.
He said such turbulence reminds us of resilience, agility and regional cooperation, adding that Malaysia believes Asean must embody openness and unity amid uncertainty.
He said the region has become a crucial link in supply chains, a manufacturing hub and a vibrant market of 680 million people.
Anwar then said Asean is expected to become the world’s fourth largest economy within five years.
“Malaysia aspires to strengthen its role as a trusted investment hub while ensuring local enterprises and start ups are not left behind,” he said.
Anwar said the Government supports SMEs through guarantees and financing to help them innovate, digitalise and compete globally and added that it is important that growth uplifts.
“Our Priority Economic Deliverables reflect this conviction and place MSMEs, women entrepreneurs and youths at the heart of regional development,” he said.
He said deeper integration should turn attention to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, and that RCEP is the world’s largest trade agreement, covering nearly one third of global GDP and trade.
“We want RCEP to serve not only large multinationals, but also to deliver concrete benefits to SMEs, workers and communities,” he said.
He said RCEP’s success depends on translating commitments into opportunities.
Earlier, Tengku Zafrul said export resilience requires transforming SMEs into globally competitive firms with niche expertise and homegrown technology.
He said it must be a whole-of-nation effort where private partners like DHL play a role.
He said DHL’s MSME training and fellowships build business models that promote ‘Made by Malaysia’ over ‘Made in Malaysia’.
“This is how we empower MSMEs to grow into SMEs, then mid tier companies, and graduate as MNCs,” he said.
He said this growth creates better paying, higher quality jobs for Malaysians and the region.
Meanwhile, Pearson called for more dialogue to address challenges facing MSMEs.
He said global trade and the macroeconomic situation have created more obstacles and added that the response should be to act, be creative, seek new partners and new beginnings.
He said discussions at the event show the need to work harder for MSME inclusivity and accessibility.
Pearson then said an accelerated joint cooperation between public and private sectors is needed to break down trade barriers.
