KAZAN: Asean and Russia need to expand multilateral cooperation in areas such as food security, energy, advanced manufacturing, digital technology and education, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said these sectors offer significant opportunities for collaboration as Asean member states and Russia seek to diversify markets, strengthen supply-chain resilience and explore new avenues for growth.
He also stressed the importance of countries strengthening connectivity, deepening trust and pursuing practical cooperation.
“Asean understands this reality well, having emerged as one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions, with a growing middle class, a rapidly expanding digital economy and a young population that continues to drive growth and innovation across the region.
“Despite global uncertainties, Asean has demonstrated remarkable resilience.
“The region continues to attract investment, deepen integration and strengthen its position within global value chains,” he said in his address at the Asean-Russia Business Forum yesterday.
The forum was attended by more than 400 corporate leaders and business representatives from Russia and Asean member states.
In his speech, Anwar reaffirmed Asean’s commitment to openness, inclusiveness and cooperation, stressing that these principles have enabled the bloc to preserve its strategic autonomy while reinforcing Asean centrality as a stabilising force in regional affairs.
He also noted that governments and businesses are currently operating in an increasingly fragmented, competitive and unpredictable environment.
“However, periods of disruption also create opportunities for renewal. The challenge before us is not merely to adapt to a changing world, but to shape it in ways that promote stability, resilience and shared prosperity.
“No nation, regardless of how large or powerful it may be, can successfully navigate these challenges alone,” he said.
Meanwhile, during the forum, Anwar said that the finalisation of the Asean-Russia Strategic Programme on Trade and Investment Cooperation 2026–2035 marks an important first step towards the next phase of economic relations.
Nevertheless, he said that a conducive environment is essential to turning the programme’s aspirations into reality.
“However, a framework alone is not enough.
“Governments can create enabling conditions, they can establish policies, remove barriers, and facilitate cooperation.
“It is businesses, investors, entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators who will ultimately transform aspirations into tangible outcomes,” he said, as reported by Bernama.
The programme is scheduled to be adopted by the end of this year for the next phase of economic relations between the 11 Asean member states and Russia, focusing on trade and investment, emerging technologies and climate resilience.
He also stressed that Asean remains committed to a rules-based international trading system and continues to believe that economic progress is best achieved through cooperation rather than confrontation, and through engagement rather than exclusion.
He urged Asean and Russia to remain vigilant and not allow current concerns to erode openness and connectivity.
Anwar also emphasised that the multilateral trading system remains a crucial pillar of global prosperity.
“However, it must continue to evolve in response to contemporary realities while preserving its fundamental purpose, which is to provide stability, predictability and opportunities for all nations, regardless of their size,” he said.
In this regard, he said Asean and Russia can make meaningful contributions by strengthening practical cooperation based on mutual respect, openness and shared interests.
“By building stronger links between businesses, institutions and people, we can help foster a more resilient, inclusive and prosperous global economy,” he added.
He said the past 35 years have provided a strong foundation for Asean-Russia relations, which must remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
“Let us turn goodwill into partnerships, partnerships into projects, and projects into tangible benefits for our people.
“If we succeed, the next phase of Asean-Russia relations will be defined not only by stronger economic ties but also by our shared contribution to stability, resilience and prosperity across our region,” he said.
Anwar is currently in Kazan, the capital and largest city of Tatarstan, Russia, to attend the Asean-Russia Commemorative Summit from June 17 to 18.
During the two-day working visit, the Prime Minister is also expected to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.
