Latest news with #Asean2045:OurSharedFuture
New Straits Times
24-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean aims for 30 to 40pct intra-bloc trade, says Mohamad Hasan
KUALA LUMPUR: Greater trade between Asean member states could help reduce over-reliance on traditional trading partners and cushion the region against increasing global economic uncertainty, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. Noting that intra-Asean trade currently remains below 25 per cent, Mohamad said the Asean 2045: Our Shared Future framework aims to boost trade within the region. "While Asean already possesses significant political strength, our economies are still heavily dependent on countries outside the bloc. Therefore, we must strengthen the economic ties between member states by increasing intra-Asean trade. "If we can raise that figure to 30 or 40 per cent, it would be a major milestone," he said in response to a supplementary question from Manndzri Nasib (BN–Tenggara) in the Dewan Rakyat. Manndzri had asked about key initiatives to ensure Asean's continued relevance after Malaysia's Asean chairmanship, particularly in enhancing the bloc's unity and centrality amid current geopolitical challenges. Mohamad said that Malaysia, domestically, still relied on its traditional trade partners. "Malaysia must diversify beyond its established trading partners to avoid potential economic disruptions when those partners face difficulties. "When issues emerge in those countries, it poses serious challenges to our economy. We do not want this situation to persist. "That is why we are exploring new markets. Malaysia's recent acceptance as a partner country in BRICS is significant — it's a large grouping representing 40 per cent of the world's population and 25 per cent of global GDP," he said. On Asean's broader outreach, Mohamad said the recent Asean–Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit was a key step in strengthening ties with resource-rich Gulf nations. "We also held the Asean–GCC–China meeting. If these three major blocs can be effectively integrated, the outlook for Asean is highly promising. "The Gulf countries have strong purchasing power, Asean has a sizeable workforce, and China offers a vast market. Linking these strengths presents enormous economic potential for Asean," he added.
New Straits Times
10-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean 2045: A blueprint for manufacturing competitiveness, economic resilience
The 46th Asean Summit adopted a strategic blueprint entitled, "Asean 2045: Our Shared Future". It aims to create a more competitive and dynamic ecosystem for the manufacturing sector. A key focus is to harness advances in science, technology, and innovation to boost manufacturing competitiveness. The vision encourages the development of advanced industries and the creative economy, thereby enabling more economic integration and innovation-led growth. This will help Asean manufacturers move up the value chain and produce higher-value goods. Integration into global supply chains is another critical benefit. It aims to streamline both upstream and downstream production processes, strengthen distribution and logistics networks, and ensure secure access to raw materials. Stronger and more resilient global supply chains will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and enable the scaling of value-added manufacturing outputs. Asean 2045 emphasises support for SMEs (Small Medium Enterprises) because of their vital role in the manufacturing ecosystem, promotes expanding market access and improving digital trade facilitation to help SMEs grow and integrate into regional and global value chains. Sustainability and economic resilience are central themes in Asean 2045, encouraging green and blue economy initiatives, disaster risk financing, and climate change mitigation to ensure manufacturing remains resilient amid environmental challenges. Businesses engaged in the green technologies, renewable energy and climate-resilient industries will, therefore, find new opportunities. To reduce exposure to external financial shocks, the vision promotes the use of local currencies for cross-border transactions, stabilising trade and investment flows within Asean. And, by fostering a more integrated single market with increased intra-Asean trade and investment, it will be possible to facilitate easier market access and stronger supply chain integration, benefiting manufacturers across the region. The digital economy and technology industries are also set to thrive under Asean 2045. The vision promotes a secure and interoperable digital ecosystem, creating fertile ground for sectors involved in digital services, artificial intelligence, fintech, e-commerce, and digital infrastructure. These industries will play a crucial role in driving economic growth and regional integration and they will also present opportunities for the sector. Supply chain resilience is another crucial issue. Since all the Asean members are affected by supply chain issues, Malaysian companies that are focussed on addressing these constraints should be incentivised. This is all the more relevant if Malaysia wants to do its part to increase intra-Asean trade. The health and social services sector is also a priority, with Asean focusing on universal health coverage and resilient healthcare systems. This opens growth prospects for healthcare providers, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology companies. The government can do its part in supporting SMEs in the manufacturing sector. First, the government can provide substantial financial support and loan guarantees to enhance SME development under the 2045 blueprint. Under Malaysia's Budget 2025, there were allocations for business financing, loan guarantees and special allocations for Bumiputera SMEs. These guarantees help SMEs secure loans even if they lack collateral, enabling them to invest in machinery, automation, and expansion, inputs that are essential to enter the regional market. Second, the government must do more to promote digital transformation through grants for companies that have an Asean focus. These initiatives encourage SMEs to adopt digital tools, automate processes, and enhance operational efficiency, helping them remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy. Third, capacity building and infrastructure upgrades are necessary for the success of Asean 2045 including access to databases, knowledge of competitor markets, knowledge of FTAs and methodologies for taking advantage of them. Finally, under Asean 2045 there are opportunities for a wide range of manufacturing and related industries. This will include different sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals to medical technology and related industries such as transportation and warehousing. Since sustainability is a big target, there will be abundant opportunities in the production of equipment energy-related products. The government can also upgrade the surrounding ecosystem by improving skill availability and making institutional support frictionless. These measures will help Malaysian manufacturing SMEs overcome financial, technological, and operational challenges. The role of the government will be useful to position them for sustainable growth and integration into regional and global value chains that aligned with Asean 2045 goals. Overall, it also positions Asean as a leading industrial and manufacturing hub in the Indo-Pacific.
New Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Asean countries must ensure smooth transition to Asean 2045 vision
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean member states must ensure a seamless transition from Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together to Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said that two months ago, Asean leaders met and adopted Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, a new vision for the bloc that charts its direction for the next two decades. "The vision reaffirms that Asean's destiny lies in our own hands. Our future will not be shaped by external forces, but by our own collective resolve. As such, the work must begin now. "All Asean sectoral bodies, institutions and mechanisms should already be aligning their priorities to support the actions arising from our leaders' decision and the Asean 2045 vision," he said in his speech at the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting today. Mohamad added that as the bloc moves towards a more inclusive, sustainable, and future-oriented Asean Community, it must urgently address the existential threat posed by climate change. "We have witnessed first-hand the effects of rising temperatures, natural disasters, and extreme weather events in our region and among our peoples. Moving forward, we must take coordinated and urgent action to ensure our region remains adaptive and climate-resilient." Meanwhile, Mohamad said that since the last meeting, geopolitical fault lines have continued to widen, strategic trust has eroded, and global flashpoints have intensified. "In Europe, the war in Ukraine rages on, continuing to disrupt global markets and supply chains. "In Gaza, Israel's brutal starvation strategy continues unchecked. Emboldened by this impunity, Israel's endless violence has expanded to other countries in the Middle East, with its latest offensive attacks on Iran," he said, adding that Malaysia absolutely condemns these atrocities. Closer to home, Mohamad said the crisis in Myanmar continues to weigh heavily on Asean's conscience. "Despite Asean's sustained efforts, we have yet to see meaningful progress on the ground. Delayed peace in Myanmar prolongs the sufferings of the people and threatens the region's security. "As such, we urge the translation of proclamations of ceasefires into concrete actions, and we call on all stakeholders—particularly the SAC (Myanmar's State Administration Council), as the de facto party in power—to commit towards peace and the creation of a conducive environment for elections, in line with the aspirations of the people of Myanmar. "Asean will continue to support the path towards a Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led peaceful resolution to the crisis in the country." Mohamad added that the world is witnessing the breakdown of humanity, as well as the erosion of moral and legal norms that once defined the global system. Multilateralism is under attack, while unilateralism and nationalism are on the rise. "In this fragmented world, Asean's unity and centrality are our capital. At a time where polarisation is trending, Asean must continue to leverage its convening power to promote dialogue, diplomacy and strategic trust, and to create space for cooperation. "The road ahead will not be easy. The external pressures on our unity will grow. The calls for us to take sides will get louder. The crises around the world may multiply. "Amid the uncertainty and unprecedented strain of global challenges, Asean must stand firm. Asean must be the beacon of hope, be the voice of reason, and continue to be a platform for cooperation and prosperity. "We must continue to invest and place our faith in regionalism and multilateralism. We must continue to champion the principles of justice, fairness, equality and humanity."
New Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean must future-proof bloc, maintain unity, says Foreign Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must focus its efforts on building a future-proof bloc while maintaining both strategic autonomy and the spirit of collective action, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He said the regional grouping now faces emerging challenges, including climate change, disruptive technologies, and growing societal divisions driven by political and economic polarisation. "In the realm of geopolitics, great power rivalries cast long shadows across our region, fuelling protectionism and threatening the open, multilateral trade that once powered our growth. "Distant conflicts are disrupting our markets, supply chains, and food security. These issues pose risks for all, but especially for those of us in the Global South. "As such, with the torch now in our hands, we must lead our people towards a safer and more equitable future. In pursuit of this goal, Malaysia's leadership is guided by the principles of inclusivity and sustainability," he said in his speech at the opening ceremony of the 58th Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting and Related Meetings today. Also present was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Mohamad said Asean is working to strengthen regional peace, stability, and prosperity through a future-oriented framework anchored in these core values. He added that Asean leaders had recently signed the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future and adopted the Asean Community Vision 2045. The 20-year vision, he said, sets the course for a resilient, innovative, and people-centred Asean. "That journey begins now. Our path will be guided by Asean centrality, enabling us to shape regional architecture on our own terms. "With strategic clarity, Asean will engage its 11 dialogue partners in the upcoming post-ministerial conferences, laying the groundwork for Asean+3 and the East Asia Summits. "This will ensure that economic cooperation and strategic trust continue to progress in tandem.
New Straits Times
08-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Mohamad: Asean must uphold human rights to achieve Asean 2045 vision
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean must uphold its human rights commitments to achieve the goals of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on 'Asean 2045: Our Shared Future'. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan highlighted the importance of promoting and protecting human rights to ensure shared prosperity, equitable growth and social justice in the region. "As we work towards realising the vision, Asean must uphold its human rights commitments. "Our aspirations for a resilient, dynamic and people-centred Asean will only be meaningful if we first ensure the rights and dignity of our people," he said in his opening remarks at the Asean Foreign Ministers' Interface with Asean Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) representatives. AICHR, established in October 2009 as a consultative body to Asean, is developing two declarations. Mohamad said the body is developing the Declaration on the Right to a Safe, Clean Healthy and Sustainable Environment and the Declaration on Promoting the Right to Development and Peace Towards Realising Inclusive and Sustainable Development. He said the meeting today would discuss AICHR's 2025 annual report. "This is an opportunity for ministers to be updated on AICHR's achievements, challenges and the way forward in advancing human rights across the region." He said efforts to promote and protect the well-being of Asean citizens should be Asean-led and Asean-owned. "They should reflect the values and norms of our member states, while ensuring alignment with the Asean Charter and the Asean Human Rights Declaration."
