Asean must embrace centrality and neutrality, says Tengku Zafrul
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean member states must adhere to the principles of centrality, neutrality, and non-alignment as the region moves forward, according to Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister emphasized that Asean should align common interests and respond more cohesively to the complexities of global trade.
"To that end, Malaysia takes its role as the Chair of Asean seriously," said Tengku Zafrul during the pre-media briefing on the Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030 on Friday (May 23).
He noted that Asean and its dialogue partners have reaffirmed support for a rules-based multilateral trading system.
"As Asean chair, Malaysia will continue to prioritise constructive engagements, premised on trade diplomacy," he added.
Tengku Zafrul highlighted that Asean's uniqueness is not only essential for the world but also something that cannot be easily replicated elsewhere.
"Up till recently, we were reasonably sure that Asean has and will continue being a region where investments and trade thrive. We were reasonably sure that Asean is well on its way to becoming the world's fourth-largest economic bloc by 2030.
"Today, to ensure those projections remain true in the years to come, we need to organise and coordinate ourselves better," he said.
In addressing concerns about certain products flooding the market amid the global trade war, Tengku Zafrul mentioned that Asean economic ministers have decided to form a GeoEconomic Taskforce to address the issue, co-led by Malaysia and Indonesia.
Malaysia will host the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits from May 26 to 27.
Wisma Putra is leading the organisation of these summits under Malaysia's Asean chairmanship this year with the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability'.
Two other high-level meetings – the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit – will also be held.:
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