Anwar: A greener, resilient Asean key to people-centred growth

New Straits Times

15 hours ago

KUALA LUMPUR: A truly people-centred Asean can only be realised through the development of a greener and more resilient region, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar, who also chairs Asean this year, stressed that beyond its economic potential, sustainable development was now an urgent priority due to the growing impact of climate change on people's livelihoods.
He said the resounding success of the recent Asean–GCC–China Summit demonstrated not only Asean's convening power but also the bloc's strong focus on leveraging economic synergies and building institutional cooperation.
"The conclusion of the Digital Economic Framework Agreement will unlock the vast potential of the region's digital economy.
"More importantly, enhanced intra-regional connectivity will create greater opportunities for local businesses to expand their reach across the region.
"As the world transitions towards a greener and more sustainable economy, Asean must adapt and seize emerging opportunities and partnerships. We are intensifying our efforts in energy transition and better practices, including the development of sustainable investment guidelines and advancing the Asean Power Grid," he said in his speech at the 38th Asia-Pacific Roundtable.
Anwar said that during the recent Asean meeting, leaders reached a breakthrough in progressing the Asean Power Grid — describing it as a phenomenal achievement for regional cooperation.
Looking ahead, he said Asean was working to upgrade existing trade agreements among member states and dialogue partners.
"Our strength lies in our ability to maintain peace and foster understanding. However, our weakness has long been the lack of intra-Asean trade and joint investments — a shortcoming which is now a key focus for Asean leaders, especially in the current climate of rising protectionism.
"We must remind ourselves that trade is not a sideshow to security; it is part of the scaffolding that holds our region together. When trade falters, fractures follow," he said.
Anwar added that Asean must confront hard truths about its regional structure and renew its commitment to shared responsibilities — with an emphasis on moving beyond rhetoric to real cooperation.
"We will continue to place our trust in Asean's founding principles and its enduring promise. But we must go further — and strengthen our collective resolve," he said.