ASEAN Members To Monitor Trade Diversion Risk, Engage Constructively With Partners Amid Global Uncertainty
GENERAL
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is seen alongside ASEAN, Gulf, and Chinese leaders during the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit, held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. -- fotoBERNAMA (2025) COPYRIGHT RESERVED
By Nurul Hanis Izmir
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- ASEAN leaders, in a united response to rising global economic and trade uncertainties, have directed relevant officials to monitor the risk of trade diversion and engage constructively with partners through established platforms.
According to the ASEAN Leaders' Statement released at the conclusion of the 46th ASEAN Summit, member states reaffirmed their commitment to resolving trade issues through peaceful, consultative dialogue grounded in mutual respect and international law, consistent with the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
'To this end, we reaffirm ASEAN's commitment towards regional unity, economic stability and practical cooperation in navigating external challenges,' the statement said.
Gathering in Kuala Lumpur on May 26, 2025, ASEAN leaders acknowledged the escalation of unilateral actions such as tariffs and trade restrictions, and the increasing risk of global economic fragmentation.
They stressed the bloc's strongest resolve to safeguard regional economic stability, resilience and long-term growth, while calling out the counterproductive nature of retaliatory trade actions that could further impact ASEAN economies.
In a joint call to action, ASEAN leaders outlined a series of commitments, starting with strengthening ASEAN's internal trade and investment.
These efforts include fast-tracking key initiatives such as the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and the upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), aimed at boosting business certainty and competitiveness.
The bloc also committed to modernising ASEAN Plus One Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), while intensifying economic cooperation with existing and new partners. This includes region-to-region linkages such as with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
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