Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN chair to focus on digital trade, regional integration

Daily News Egypt

02-07-2025

Malaysia's 2025 chairmanship of ASEAN will focus on strengthening regional integration and digital trade through concrete initiatives, the chairman of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council said.
In an interview, Tan Sri Nazir Razak said Malaysia's leadership is expected to influence the region's development with initiatives that are part of a long-term strategy, including the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and a five-year strategic development plan. He said these were essential for aligning long-term objectives with actionable measures.
'We have a five-year plan, but also within that there are specific targets for this year alone,' Razak said in an exclusive interview at the TV BRICS studio at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in the Roscongress International Cooperation Area.
He identified the upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and the Digital Economic Framework Agreement as key initiatives. He described the digital framework as 'the first international legally binding agreement for digital business across the region.'
Commenting on relations with Russia, Razak emphasised the long-standing diplomatic ties between the two countries, which began in 1967. He noted that the Malaysian prime minister has visited Russia twice and that recent visits have resulted in positive developments.
Razak stressed the importance of deepening business ties through practical engagement and a detailed understanding of how trade operates under current global conditions.
'We need to increase trade between Malaysia and Russia as well as to increase investments both ways,' he stated.