Latest news with #ASEANPlusThree
Barnama
14-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
APT Reaffirms Commitment To Economic Integration, WTO Reform Amid Global Uncertainties
BUSINESS KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- The ASEAN Plus Three (APT) countries have reaffirmed their strong commitment to deepening regional economic integration and maintaining a rules-based multilateral trading system, amid escalating global economic and trade uncertainties. According to the ASEAN chairman's statement issued after the 26th APT Foreign Ministers' Meeting here, the ministers welcomed the adoption of the ASEAN Leaders' Statement on Responding to Global Economic and Trade Uncertainties. They reaffirmed their resolve in providing meaningful impetus to respond to current trade challenges, supporting the necessary reform of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and advancing inclusive and sustainable growth. The meeting further underscored the need to advance or upgrade free trade agreements with external partners, reinforce the robustness of supply chains and maximise the utilisation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. The ministers welcomed the progress in the implementation of the RCEP Agreement and the operationalisation of the RCEP Support Unit, which provides institutional support to enhance the agreement's utilisation by the private sector, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises. In the area of regional finance, the meeting welcomed the outcomes of the 28th ASEAN+3 Finance Ministers' and Central Bank Governors' Meeting held on May 4 that reaffirmed the importance of strengthening regional financial cooperation through the ASEAN+3 Finance Process. The meeting also noted ongoing discussions on establishing a paid-in capital structure and welcomed the ASEAN+3 Fiscal Policy Exchange Initiative introduced in 2025 and looked forward to exploring the potential for it to serve as a regular discussion platform. On digital cooperation, the meeting welcomed the APT's support for negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which will be concluded later this year. The ministers also acknowledged the continued support for the ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2025 and looked forward to sustaining this momentum in the upcoming ASEAN Digital Master Plan 2030.
NHK
11-07-2025
- Business
- NHK
Japan FM calls for ASEAN+3 cooperation in economy, disaster management
Japan's foreign minister says he wants to promote a rules-based international economic order and cooperation in broad areas, including disaster management and food security, with East and Southeast Asian nations. A foreign ministerial conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, plus Japan, China and South Korea, was held in Malaysia on Thursday. Participants included Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya Takeshi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and South Korean First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo. Iwaya said the importance and role of ASEAN Plus Three in the international economy has expanded significantly. But he said the nations face common challenges, such as low birthrates and aging populations, as well as health and disaster management issues. He added that it is crucial to work together to address those challenges. He also said he wants to work with other nations in the region to promote a rules-based free, fair and open international economic order amid rising tensions over the global economy and international trade. Iwaya stressed the importance of deepening cooperation in broad areas, including boosting measures against online fraud carried out from certain Southeast Asian nations.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
ASEAN Plus Three urged to boost resilience for future crises
SINGAPORE: Singapore Foreign Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan stressed the importance of ASEAN Plus Three nations enhancing collective resilience to tackle future crises. He called for stronger trade, investment, and infrastructure connectivity among member states. The discussions involved Plus Three partners China, Japan, and South Korea. Balakrishnan noted ASEAN's role as a trusted platform for regional dialogue. 'ASEAN's ability to convene a wide and diverse group of external partners is all the more salient in this day and reflects our role as a trusted platform for open and meaningful dialogue in the region,' he said on Facebook. Balakrishnan is attending the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) in Kuala Lumpur, running from July 8 to 11. The 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting was among the key sessions held. He also welcomed new foreign ministers to the AMM, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Canada's Anita Anand, and Japan's Takeshi Iwaya. Balakrishnan co-chaired the ASEAN-Japan Ministerial Meeting, reaffirming Singapore's commitment to deepening partnerships, particularly in digital and green economic sectors. - Bernama
The Sun
10-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Frontier technologies key to ASEAN Plus Three growth, says FM Mohamad
KUALA LUMPUR: Embracing frontier technologies is crucial for the ASEAN Plus Three (APT) bloc to maintain agility and relevance, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He noted that digital transformation, supported by China, Japan, and South Korea, could contribute US$2 trillion to regional GDP. Speaking at the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Mohamad emphasised Malaysia's goal as ASEAN Chair to bridge development gaps and promote sustainable growth. 'Such initiatives support equitable development, foster peace through cooperation, and improve living standards,' he said. The APT bloc, with a combined population of 2.28 billion and a GDP of US$29.33 trillion, holds significant global influence. Mohamad stressed the partnership's responsibility in ensuring regional stability and inclusive growth. 'Amid complex global challenges, platforms advocating dialogue and cooperation remain vital,' he added. The minister also welcomed recent developments, including the Rapid Financing Facility under the Chiang Mai Initiative and progress in electric vehicle ecosystems. 'These achievements reflect APT's ability to create value and lead with foresight,' he said. – Bernama
BusinessToday
10-07-2025
- Business
- BusinessToday
ASEAN Reaffirms ASEAN Plus Three As Key Pillar For East Asian Peace And Prosperity
ASEAN has reaffirmed its collective commitment to strengthening the ASEAN Plus Three cooperation framework as a vital force for peace, stability and shared prosperity in East Asia, said Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Speaking at the ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers' Meeting on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Mohamad underscored the enduring value of the ASEAN Plus Three platform, which includes China, Japan and South Korea, in promoting regional dialogue and practical cooperation. 'ASEAN Plus Three must remain a driving force in shaping a stable, peaceful and prosperous East Asia. We must deepen our cooperation in areas that matter most to our people, including economic integration, food and energy security, public health and climate resilience,' Mohamad said. Mohamad highlighted the importance of strengthening supply chain connectivity, digital transformation and financial cooperation, noting that regional resilience depends on collective action and mutual trust among ASEAN Plus Three partners. He also called for greater synergy between ASEAN Plus Three mechanisms and broader regional efforts, including the East Asia Summit, to address evolving geopolitical and economic challenges. The reaffirmation of ASEAN Plus Three's strategic role comes as ASEAN navigates a rapidly shifting global landscape, with leaders placing renewed emphasis on regional self-reliance and multilateralism as the foundation for long-term peace and prosperity. Related
