Asean Plus Three's US$29 trillion economy shows global clout
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said this scale not only highlighted the region's economic strength, but also the shared responsibility borne by Asean Plus Three members, comprising the 10 Asean nations alongside China, Japan, and South Korea.
"This shared responsibility includes safeguarding regional stability, promoting inclusive growth, and driving sustainable development.
"As such, moving forward, Asean Plus Three must remain agile, well-coordinated, and forward-looking to ensure continued relevance and meaningful impact," he said during his opening remarks at the 26th Asean Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting, held in conjunction with the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings.
Mohamad said that the grouping must also embrace frontier technologies.
"Asean's regional digital transformation is projected to contribute around US$2 trillion to regional GDP. With the technological expertise of China, Japan, and South Korea, the potential returns are immense.
"These efforts support Malaysia's objectives, as Asean Chair, to narrow development gaps, enable equitable development, promote sustainable growth, foster peace through mutual trust and cooperation, raise living standards and human capital, and strengthen social cohesion and participation in an inclusive and sustainable manner," he said.
On the outcome of today's meeting, Mohamad said it reaffirmed the collective commitment to deepening cooperation as a driving force for peace, stability, and prosperity in East Asia.
"Amid increasingly complex regional and global developments, the importance of platforms that promote dialogue and cooperation, such as this, has never been more evident."
Established in 1997 to coordinate a regional response to the Asian financial crisis, Asean Plus Three has since weathered multiple challenges.
"Through it all, we have stood firm, coordinated our responses, endured, and overcome adversity," Mohamad said.
As a result, he said Asean Plus Three had evolved into one of the region's most enduring and reliable frameworks for cooperation.
"It stands as a hallmark of teamwork — dependable, dynamic, and adept at navigating complex regional realities. It allows us to consult, coordinate, and cooperate not only in times of crisis, but also in our collective pursuit of lasting peace, inclusive growth, and shared resilience in East Asia."
Mohamad said that the region was once again being tested.
"We are facing what may be described as a perfect storm. The challenges are multifaceted, ranging from intensifying great power rivalries and economic fragmentation to technological disruptions and transboundary threats.
"Unilateralism and nationalism are on the rise, marginalising multilateralism, which is essential to a stable global order. Nevertheless, I remain confident that with collective steadfastness and a strong commitment to dialogue and cooperation, we will once again prevail."
He also pointed to several encouraging recent developments within Asean Plus Three, including the endorsement of the Rapid Financing Facility under the Chiang Mai Initiative Multilateralisation, and momentum from leaders' statements on developing the Electric Vehicle Ecosystem and enhancing connectivity across regional supply chains.
"These are not isolated achievements. They reflect Asean Plus Three's ability to create value, respond with agility, and lead with foresight," he added.
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