JAKARTA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia is prepared to contribute through its Madani Economy Framework to boost untapped potential in intra-Asean trade and other related matters.
To move forward, Asean must push for greater economic integration within the regional bloc and strive towards a regional economic architecture that is vibrant, inclusive, sustainable and resilient, he said.
"We should increase intra-Asean trade, which currently stands at only 22.3 per cent. Greater strategic arrangements should be undertaken to enhance market integration and facilitate the movement of goods, capital, skilled workforce, and technology sharing among ourselves as well as with our external partners.
Partnership with external partners to contribute towards this aim should also be heightened.
"Malaysia stands ready to contribute through our Madani Economic Framework which includes steps towards enhancing economic growth, promoting investment, and strengthening industries to become more innovative, competitive, and capable of expanding into the regional and global markPrime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia is prepared to contribute through its Madani Economy Framework to boost untapped potential in intra-Asean trade and other related matters.
He said to move forward, Asean must push for greater economic integration within the regional bloc and strive towards a regional economic architecture that is vibrant, inclusive, sustainable and resilient.
"We should increase intra-Asean trade, which currently stands at only 22.3 per cent. Greater strategic arrangements should be undertaken to enhance market integration and facilitate the movement of goods, capital, skilled workforce, and technology sharing among ourselves as well as with our external partners. Partnership with external partners to contribute towards this aim should also be heightened.
"Malaysia stands ready to contribute through our Madani Economic Framework which includes steps towards enhancing economic growth, promoting investment, and strengthening industries to become more innovative, competitive, and capable of expanding into the regional and global market," Anwar said in Malaysia's intervention at the plenary session of the 43rd Asean Summit and Related Summit at the Jakarta Convention Centre here today.
He said despite the global economic challenges, Asean achieved unprecedented socio-economic advancements, from reducing poverty levels, to increasing inter-regional trade and advancing technological innovations.
"Despite the global economic uncertainties, Asean has a combined GDP nearing US $3 trillion, making us the fifth-largest economy globally. Asean is projected to become the fourth largest economy by 2030," he said.
On another matter, Anwar said Asean and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have agreed to hold the Asean-GCC Summit in Saudi Arabia on Oct 20 this year. Malaysia is the coordinator for the Asean-GCC summit.
"Two outcome documents are proposed, which are, a Joint Statement on the Asean-GCC Summit and Asean-GCC Framework of Cooperation (2024-2028). They are currently being negotiated by our officials. There is a proposal for an Asean-GCC Ministerial Meeting on Oct 19, 2023 to finalise preparations for the Summit."
On the Asean Community's Post-2025 Vision, Anwar urged Asean members to allow for some flexibility for necessary adjustment to be made to the vision in light of relevant developments between now until its final adoption in 2025.
He said Malaysia thanks Indonesia for co-chairing the High Level Task Force with Malaysia in 2023 for coming up with the vision document.
"The vision outlines a clear, long-term strategic direction for Asean to achieve its goal for an Asean Community that is able to effectively respond to current and future challenges and opportunities."
Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the summit, Anwar held a bilateral meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet.
He also joined Asean members, dialogue partners and representatives of major companies at the flagship Asean-Indo-Pacific Forum which is a newly-formed trade and regional cooperation platform initiated by Indonesia with countries from the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions.
