KUALA LUMPUR: While most Asean delegates were just getting ready for breakfast, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia had already begun their morning with serious economic discussions as early as 7.30am at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the venue of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits.
Over a light breakfast of pastries, fruits and coffee, Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong as well as Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto got off to an early start discussing economic issues of interest to the region.
They met on the third floor of the KLCC for 30 minutes for a pre-council briefing before the Special Asean Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting on the Digital Economic Framework Agreement (Defa) and preparation for the 26th AECC Meeting later on Friday (Oct 24).
ALSO READ: Key Asean milestones achieved
When met by Bernama, Tengku Zafrul said the meeting with Singapore and Indonesia this morning was in preparation for the 26th AECC Meeting where Asean member states will start discussions on Defa and settle issues that have yet to be agreed on.
"At the AECC meeting, we will also discuss the 18 Priority Economic Deliverables as well as the AEC Strategic Plan 2026-2030, which involves discussing what needs to be done in the next five years.
"After that, (if) all have been agreed on, the recommendations will be submitted to the Asean Leaders' Summit on Sunday," said Tengku Zafrul.
He was also scheduled to chair the 26th AECC Meeting and deliver his opening remarks later in the session.
Tengku Zafrul will also be attending the launching ceremony of Asean Initiatives on Inclusivity and Sustainability and the Asean Investment Forum (AIF) 2025 to be held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) later this evening.
The AECC, one of the three Asean Community Councils, is the key coordinating body that oversees the work of the Asean Economic Community pillar. The AECC meeting is held in conjunction to the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits held in KLCC from Oct 26-28.
The summit is set to be one of the largest meetings in the bloc’s history, serving as a crucial platform to foster deeper collaboration while addressing regional and global challenges in a cohesive, inclusive manner.
This is the fifth time Malaysia has assumed the Asean Chair since the bloc’s inception in 1967, with the previous chairmanships held in 2015, 2005, 1997 and 1977. - Bernama
