Latest news with #16thIndonesia-Malaysia-ThailandGrowthTriangle
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Malaysia's Asean Summit success driven by efficiency, teamwork
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia's successful hosting of the recent Asean Summit was driven by the efficiency, dedication and teamwork of all parties involved, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said the smooth running of the summit was the result of the extraordinary commitment shown by the government machinery, including the public, who understood Malaysia's responsibilities as host. "I saw excellence at all levels, our public servants were outstanding. From the airport, parades, police, immigration, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), hotel management, to the Foreign Ministry coordinating everything, and the Prime Minister's Department managing the protocol. "Even I was overwhelmed by the protocol, but I respected what the officers directed the prime minister to do. I followed everything. Why? Because we are a nation with rules, and we work as a team," he said. He was speaking at the Prime Minister's Department monthly assembly here today, which was also attended by both Deputy Prime Ministers Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Anwar also commended the cooperation among Asean leaders in making collective decisions while respecting the interests of their respective countries. "We had to decide on a shared understanding in facing President Trump's tariffs. Each country has its own strategy, which will involve bilateral relations. But we also want to safeguard the interests of more than 650 million people in Asean countries. "No decision made by Malaysia should harm other countries, nor should decisions by, for example, Vietnam, be detrimental to others. We work as a team," he added. The 46th Asean Summit concluded on May 27, following a series of high-level meetings focused on enhancing regional cooperation and strengthening strategic partnerships. Over the two-day event, Asean leaders participated in several key meetings, including the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit, the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, and the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit. As Asean Chair for 2025, Malaysia hosted the 46th Summit under the theme "Inclusion and Sustainability", marking the fifth time the country has held the chairmanship, having previously served in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean rises stronger together
PETALING JAYA: The Asean Summit saw diplomatic and economic breakthroughs, besides stronger ties with China and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underscoring the region's growing ability to navigate complex global challenges under Malaysia's leadership, say analysts. Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute chief executive officer Danial Rahman said the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, which ran concurrently with the 46th Asean Summit, was significant in light of the Middle East trip by US President Donald Trump earlier this month. 'The GCC countries are well aware of the ongoing global nuances, so by participating in the Asean-GCC-China Summit, it shows that they see Asean as a vital and neutral bridge with China and the wider Indo-Pacific,' he said when contacted yesterday. The Asean Summit concluded on Tuesday after a series of high-level engagements aimed at reinforcing regional cooperation and strategic partnerships. Held under Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', the two-day summit included the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit and the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit. Global outlook: Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan having a discussion with Anwar during the Asean-GCC-China Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. — Bernama The summit also saw Asean, GCC and China reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation across broad areas, charting a united and collective path towards a peaceful, prosperous and equitable future. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also announced on Tuesday during the summit that he had written to Trump, seeking his support for an Asean-US meeting. Other key highlights include the signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045 and the formal admission of Timor-Leste as Asean's 11th member by October. It also made known bold initiatives on digital economy and green financing and a firm, united stance on regional issues such as those related to the South China Sea, the Myanmar crisis and broader global conflicts. The upgraded Asean-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) 3.0 and the revised Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (Atiga) are slated to be signed at the 47th Asean Summit to be held in October in Kuala Lumpur. Danial said ties with the GCC were pragmatic, while relations with China remained crucial for trade, investment and regional peace and stability. 'The GCC nations, which in recent times have been playing a key role as peace negotiators in the volatile Middle East, in turn are able to strengthen their bond with Asean. 'China, on the other hand, with its premier as leader of the delegation, has stayed on its consistent path of engagement and charm offensive,' he said, noting that Chinese President Xi Jinping had a recent tour of some South-East Asian countries. 'If at all, it sends a signal to the US of the robustness of the Asean region. Hence, the invitation to Trump for a US-Asean summit should be viewed in a new light,' said Danial. He also said Asean's principle of centrality had remained firm. 'On this point, some have criticised the idea of an 'Asean response' to the tariff issue because the US has traditionally only engaged with individual nations. 'But some of these critics missed a critical point. If Asean does not behave as a cohesive bloc, then they'll forever be divided. 'Leveraging on collective economic strength and potential will be one of Asean's key strategic advantages, not just economically but also security-wise,' added Danial. He noted that the estimated total gross domestic product (GDP) of all Asean states amounted to about US$3.6 trillion (RM15.2 trillion). This is projected to grow to about US$4 trillion (RM16.9 trillion) with well over 450 million middle class consumers. 'So, even if the US refuses to engage with an Asean bloc, Asean must set the precedent to go in as one with a united voice on key regional economic issues,' he said. He said in the medium to long term, Asean is expected to mirror European Union's market-style approach, which has proven influential in setting high standards for trade, sustainability and growth. This had reshaped how investors, businesses and governments across the United States, Africa and Asia approach policies, products and regulations, Danial said. 'So, critics who say this will never happen have gotten it wrong. This is not just optimism, rather, it is pragmatism for continued Asean relevance and strength,' he said. Universiti Malaya socio-political analyst Datuk Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the 46th Asean Summit marked a significant step forward in Asean's long-term strategic vision and geopolitical positioning. 'The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045 articulates a bold and forward-looking agenda that aims to shape a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred regional bloc by mid-century,' he said. He said the KL Declaration provides a necessary strategic blueprint, and recalibrating external ties offers Asean room to maneuver in a complex global environment. Aside from that, he said Timor-Leste's impending admission signals Asean's openness and inclusivity, though it brings challenges in terms of capacity-building and integration. Awang Azman also pointed out that the commitment to digital economy and green financing underscores Asean's awareness of structural transformation and its need to remain competitive amid the global tech and climate transitions. The summit, he said, demonstrated improved coherence in addressing contentious regional issues, especially those linked to the South China Sea and the Myanmar crisis, although implementation remains the key test. 'The summit reiterated Asean's Five-Point Consensus and showed stronger language regarding Myanmar's junta,' he said. He said that declarations must evolve into decisive and impactful policies on issues such as those on Myanmar or otherwise, Asean would risk being seen as a passive actor in its own region. However, he highlighted several positive steps in addressing the Myanmar issue, including support for Asean's Special Envoy mechanism and increased coordination with the United Nations and external partners. 'Moving forward, Asean must reconsider its consensus-based decision-making when dealing with humanitarian crises and breaches of regional norms, especially when such crises threaten Asean's legitimacy and credibility,' he said. 'So, in summary, the 46th Asean Summit was progressive in vision but cautious in action.' The summit, he said, showed ambition but its real success hinges on whether declarations are matched by enforceable policies, regional cooperation mechanisms and political will from all member states. 'Let us hope that under Malaysia's leadership, these aspirations translate into bold execution and not mere diplomacy,' he added. Amir Fareed Rahim, strategic director at risk consultancy KRA Group, said the summit projected Asean as a maturing economic bloc, grappling with an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic landscape. 'While there is progress on the economic side, especially on Atiga and ACFTA 3.0, Asean showed its limits on more complex issues like Myanmar,' he said. Nonetheless, he said the summit focused on what matters at present, which is geo-economic challenges in light of the tariff war and its impact on Asean's economic future. 'It is also being proactive by focusing on economic ties by being the bridge for economies like GCC and China,' said Amir Fareed.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
IMT-GT Summit: Anwar thanks Thai PM for support on border projects
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has thanked the Thai government for facilitating the clearance of several border projects, including the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok bridge, which are progressing well. Anwar made the remarks to Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during the opening of the 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre here today. 'Thank you again, specifically to Thailand, because Prime Minister Paetongtarn was fast in ensuring the clearance of the few projects in the border, including the Rantau Panjang and Sungai Golok bridge, and this is going fine,' he said. During his official visit to Thailand in April, Anwar witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on the Construction Agreement for the Rantau Panjang–Sungai Golok Bridge Project. The project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity, trade and relations between the two nations. On the 16th IMT-GT Summit, Anwar said his focus was on driving economic transformation, particularly through enhancing cross-border connectivity, tourism, the halal sector, agro-industries and strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the sub-region. 'We are focusing on climate change, which has impacted life and livelihoods across the sub-region. On infrastructure, we stand behind nearly USD39 billion worth of physical connectivity projects across our three countries. 'Thank you very much to the ministers themselves who have done their work to prepare for this session,' he said. The summit was also attended by Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Kao Kim Hourn, Asian Development Bank president Masato Kanda and Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
IMT-GT Summit to boost regional connectivity, halal, agro and MSMEs
KUALA LUMPUR: The 16th Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) Summit will prioritise economic transformation by enhancing cross-border connectivity, tourism, the halal industry, and agro-based sectors. In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the summit also aims to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the subregion. "We are focusing on climate change, which has affected lives and livelihoods across the subregion, as well as infrastructure, with US$56.6 billion worth of physical connectivity projects planned across our three countries," he added. Anwar also praised Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for her swift action in facilitating the clearance of several projects, including the Rantau Panjang-Sungai Golok Bridge, noting that progress is proceeding smoothly. Also present at the summit were Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and his deputy, Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib. The IMT-GT provides a sub-regional framework for accelerating economic cooperation and integration among member states and provinces of the three countries. The initiative promotes private sector-led economic growth and supports the development of the subregion by leveraging the complementarities and comparative advantages of the member countries.
