Thailand Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun speaks at the Special Asean Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) on the sidelines of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). -Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: Thailand’s new Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun has heaped praise on Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship this year for having led the grouping in advancing regional economic integration.
Under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership, Suphajee said regional trade has been reinforced despite member nations facing immense geopolitical challenges, Bernama reported.
“This includes promoting economic resilience, enhancing regional financial safety nets and developing policies that ensure Asean remains stable, competitive and adaptable in a rapidly changing world,” she said ahead of the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits taking place over the weekend.
Malaysia took over as Asean Chair for 2025 from Laos last year, while the next chairmanship would be held by the Philippines.
“This summit should send a strong and clear signal that Asean remains resilient, cohesive and forward-looking, ready to navigate external challenges while deepening regional economic integration and expanding cooperation with dialogue partners,” she added.
She said the summit would demonstrate Asean’s progress through the substantial completion of its Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) for 2025, including major outcomes such as the signing of the Second Protocol to Amend the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the upgraded Asean-China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA 3.0)
“These milestones will strengthen regional supply chains and enhance intra-Asean trade, which is expected to grow beyond the current share of around 21.4% of total trade by 2030,” she said.
