KUALA LUMPUR: ASEAN must actively lead in building regional resilience rather than passively observing global economic and geopolitical challenges according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He emphasised that the bloc representing over 700 million people should move beyond merely responding to global events.
Anwar stated that ASEAN must take the lead in strengthening supply chains and empowering micro small and medium enterprises.
He also highlighted the importance of investing in sustainability and embracing innovation across the region.
“With ASEAN agreement I believe we are capable of revitalising economic strength not only for Malaysia but for the region as a whole” he said during his speech at the Gala Dinner for the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings.
The Prime Minister added that this approach would make ASEAN an important and critical region in facing contemporary challenges.
He further noted that establishing economic power should become a fundamental strength for the grouping.
Anwar also welcomed the proposal to convene the first-ever joint ASEAN Foreign and Economic Ministers’ Meeting next month.
He described this initiative as both bold and timely for regional cooperation.
“It signals ASEAN’s resolve to address the interlinked challenges of geopolitics and geoeconomics with unity and institutionalised coherence” he concluded. – Bernama
