KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 -- Singapore Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong attends the 26th ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting today. The AECC Meeting is held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits taking place in KLCC from Oct 26-28. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must deepen cooperation and resist turning inward amid growing global uncertainty, says Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong
In the run-up to the 47th Asean Summit, Gan said Asean's determination to "move forward and find ways to work together" remains a crucial message to the world, especially as geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions continue to reshape trade patterns.
"Despite the very challenging global environment, Asean is determined to continue strengthening our regional integration and cooperation.
"This is a very important message — we want to move forward and continue exploring opportunities to work together," he said when met at a media doorstop after attending the Asean Economic Community (AEC) Council meeting on Friday (Oct 24).
Earlier at the AEC Council Meeting, Gan signed two key trade pacts — the upgraded Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), which enhances regional market access and integration, and the Asean-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 Upgrade, aimed at boosting connectivity and trade between both sides.
Gan praised Malaysia's "fruitful and productive" chairmanship, noting that Kuala Lumpur had steered Asean towards key milestones, including the upgrade of the ATIGA, a core pact that simplifies customs procedures and reduces non-tariff barriers.
"It’s not just about lowering tariffs.
"We are rolling back longstanding rules and simplifying procedures to make it easier for businesses to trade across borders."
He highlighted the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone as a model for regional cooperation, revealing that Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia are exploring ways to link it with Indonesia's Batam–Bintan–Karimun region to form a wider economic triangle.
"Two is good, but three is even better.
"We are revisiting the idea of linking Singapore, Johor and the Riau Islands to see if opportunities exist for all three to collaborate."
He said the concept could present the three zones as a single value proposition for investors — combining Singapore's infrastructure, Johor's industrial strength and Indonesia's manufacturing capacity.
"When we go on investment promotion missions, we can present the three areas together.
"Investors can choose to be in one, two or all three locations, depending on their needs."
Gan added that the discussions remain exploratory but reflect the region’s confidence in cross-border collaboration. "This is a good example of how Asean cooperation builds comfort and trust among members," he said.
Gan also highlighted the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) as a breakthrough that could define the region’s future growth. The framework, which reached a substantial conclusion this week, aims to harmonise standards and enable cross-border digital trade.
"Digitalisation has become a key driver of economic development.
"We want Asean countries to harmonise standards and make our systems interoperable so businesses can grow seamlessly across the region."
To a question on intra-Asean initiatives, Gan said the bloc continues to expand engagement with major economies — including China, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the European Union and the United States — to keep markets open and diversified.
"The fact that US President Trump is coming already signals that the US sees Asean as a very important partner.
"The key to success is dialogue and engagement — through which we can enhance understanding and reduce potential misunderstandings," he said.
With Malaysia's Asean chairmanship nearing its conclusion, Gan congratulated Kuala Lumpur for its "very successful" leadership, adding that Singapore looks forward to working closely with the Philippines, which will take over next year, to ensure another successful year for Asean.
