Anwar Urges ASEAN-BAC To Propose Intra-ASEAN Trade Measures
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister and Chair of the Southeast Asian bloc, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has directed the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) to submit concrete proposals to boost intra-ASEAN trade, which currently accounts for only about 20 per cent of the grouping's total trade.
He noted that his counterparts had expressed a shared desire to unlock the region's full economic potential, underscoring the opportunity to significantly expand intra-ASEAN trade.
'Proposals have been made by Presidents and Prime Ministers, and there is actually no reason why the extent of our inter-ASEAN trade and investments is still limited at this stage, as the potential is enormous.
'So please come up with some very specific proposals on how we can compel policymakers to accept some recommendations,' he said in his opening remarks at the ASEAN Leaders' Interface with Representative of the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC) here today.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Borneo Post
PM Anwar conveys condolences over crash of Air India flight
Firefighters work at the site where Air India flight 171 crashed in a residential area near the airport in Ahmedabad today – AFP photo KUALA LUMPUR (June 12): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed his condolences to the families and friends of all those affected by the crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad, India. 'I was deeply distressed to learn of the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad. On behalf of the government and people of Malaysia, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected. 'We share in India's sorrow and stand in full solidarity as relief efforts continue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and with everyone mourning this terrible loss,' he said in a Facebook post today. The London-bound flight, carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed today shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport in the western state of Gujarat. Wisma Putra confirmed that no Malaysians were onboard. – Bernama Ahmedabad Air India anwar ibrahim condolences crashed lead
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Govt pays RM486k for Dr M's official visit to Japan
Slug: izhalf HL: Anwar: Govt bears RM486k for Dr M's official visit to Japan Bernama MELAKA: The government bore almost half a million ringgit in costs for former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's trip to Japan to attend the annual Nikkei conference last month, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar said the government had allocated approximately RM486,000 for the visit after receiving a formal application from Dr Mahathir. "There are existing provisions for former prime ministers to apply for government support for official travel, and if the sitting prime minister approves, the government will bear the cost, including for Tun Mahathir, who recently requested to attend the Nikkei conference in Japan. He applied, and I approved it. I believe the delegation comprised around seven people. "People ask me why we paid for him. He is entitled to apply, but the decision lies with the sitting prime minister. I decided to approve the RM486,000 for him to go to Japan. "I just don't want anyone to misunderstand. I don't want to take a negative attitude. Despite his daily criticisms of the government, we still approved his travel application," Anwar told reporters here today. On May 30, Dr Mahathir was reported to have attended and delivered a speech at the annual Nikkei Future of Asia conference, a platform he has attended regularly over the years. In a separate development, Anwar said he was giving time to two cabinet ministers who recently submitted resignation letters, encouraging them to reconsider their decisions. The prime minister said he had received letters from the two ministers applying for leave and resignation, but had only approved their leave for now. "Let them think about it. Personally, I would prefer that they rejoin the cabinet," he said. The ministers in question, Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli and Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, reportedly submitted their resignations following defeats in recent party elections. Anwar was speaking after attending an organisational empowerment seminar and a closed-door meeting with PKR leaders here today. Also present were PKR vice-presidents Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari and Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, secretary-general Senator Fuziah Salleh, Wanita chief Fadhlina Sidek, Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, and Hang Tuah Jaya division chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin. During the seminar, Anwar urged PKR members to heal internal rifts and put aside dissatisfaction following the party polls last month. He also emphasised the need for unity and maturity for the party's greater mission. "Imagine this, I can work with Umno, even hugging it out. Surely, we can move past our internal disagreements too. Let's move on for the bigger agenda," he added.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Anwar conveys condolences over crash of Air India flight
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed his condolences to the families and friends of all those affected by the crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad, India. 'I was deeply distressed to learn of the tragic crash of Air India Flight 171 near Ahmedabad. On behalf of the government and people of Malaysia, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected. 'We share in India's sorrow and stand in full solidarity as relief efforts continue. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and with everyone mourning this terrible loss,' he said in a Facebook post today. The London-bound flight, carrying 242 people, including 12 crew members, crashed on Thursday shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport in the western state of Gujarat. Wisma Putra confirmed that no Malaysians were onboard.
