Latest news with #AseanCommunityVision2025
The Star
5 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Brunei underscores unity, resilience at Asean Customs meeting
Datin Seri Zety Sufina Sani delivering her speech virtually at the 34th Meeting of the Asean Directors-General of Customs. - BB BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Deputy Minister of Finance and Economy (Fiscal) Datin Seri Paduka Zety Sufina Sani has underscored the importance of Asean's unity and the role of Customs administrations in safeguarding trade flows and supporting economic resilience especially in light of the recent developments concerning tariff measures introduced by the United States. In her speech delivered virtually at the opening ceremony of the 34th Meeting of the Asean Directors-General of Customs on Tuesday (June 3) she said: 'Let us continue to stand together to uphold the principles of openness, fairness and mutual respect in international trade.' As Asean Customs progresses through the pivotal phase of modernisation and regional cooperation, she highlighted, 'we are reminded of our collective duty – to serve with integrity, to lead with foresight, and to collaborate with purpose. "As we pursue constructive dialogues and embrace our shared responsibilities, I invite everyone to engage actively and participate in the sharing of knowledge and experience for our mutual benefits.' In a welcoming speech, the incoming Chair, Acting Controller of the Royal Customs and Excise Department (RCED) Muhammad Azizil Hakim Brahim emphasised the importance of advancing Customs modernisation and collaboration to achieve the objectives of the Asean Community Vision 2025. He also highlighted the significant progress made under the Strategic Plan on Customs Development (SPCD) 2021–2025, particularly in digital transformation and trade facilitation, while outlining forthcoming initiatives for 2026–2030. The meeting started on Tuesday (June 3) and continues until Wednesday in Bandar Seri Begawan, with the aim of strengthening regional Customs cooperation and advancing Asean integration through key initiatives such as the Asean Single Window and the Asean Customs Transit System. The meeting also focuses on enhancing trade facilitation through streamlined procedures, regulatory efficiency, and inclusive policies to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The 34th Meeting of the Asean Directors-General of Customs hosted by the RCED, Ministry of Finance and Economy was attended by some 90 delegates from 10 Customs administrations of Asean member states, Timor-Leste, the Asean Secretariat and Asean Dialogue partners. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
New Straits Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Asean Community Vision 2045 charts path for resilience, inclusivity - sec-gen
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Community Vision (ACV) 2045, set to be adopted by regional leaders tomorrow, will serve as a bold yet pragmatic 20-year strategic roadmap to guide the region's development amid global uncertainties, said Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. He said the new vision reflects Asean's commitment to long-term resilience, inclusivity, and continued cooperation with external partners. "Ten years ago, under Malaysia's leadership, Asean leaders adopted the Asean Community Vision 2025. "This year marks its 10th anniversary, and now, leaders are embarking on a 20-year vision, doubling the timeframe and ambition," he said during a pooled media interview here today. Kao said the ACV 2045 is underpinned by four strategic plans covering the Political-Security Community, Economic Community, Socio-Cultural Community, and Asean Connectivity. "It is not just a vision on paper. These four strategic plans are designed to guide Asean on how to prioritise its work while upholding unity, solidarity, and Asean centrality," he said, adding that the roadmap also recognises the need to work closely with external partners, including dialogue, sectoral, and global partners. Kao said the ACV 2045 - or the Vision - takes into account both the challenges and opportunities presented by global megatrends and aims to provide a realistic and strategic response over the next two decades. "This document is forward-looking and strategic, acknowledging the shifts in geopolitics, digitalisation, demographic change, climate risks, and other pressing issues. It provides clarity on how Asean should navigate its future," he said. On Asean's increasing engagement with the the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China, particularly through the upcoming Asean-GCC-China Summit, Kao said the trilateral framework opens the door for greater synergy and new opportunities for economic cooperation. "Each region has its own strengths. Asean has always sought to consolidate existing partnerships while also identifying new areas where it can capitalise on shared interests," he said. He said Asean sees great potential in enhancing cooperation with the GCC and China, and that this summit marks a key initiative in creating new opportunities through multilateral economic collaboration. "There's still a lot of potential with the GCC. By bringing China into the framework, we are opening up a new space to build synergies and unlock mutually beneficial areas of cooperation. "Asean is always looking ahead for what more can be done," Kao said. Earlier, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the adoption of the Asean Community Vision 2045 marks the beginning of a collective endeavour for the future, reaffirming a shared commitment to a secure, peaceful, resilient, and people-centred Asean. He described it as a bold ambition to transform Asean into a resilient, innovative, and people-oriented community, emphasising that it is not merely a ceremonial marker. Malaysia, as Asean Chair for 2025 under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', will host the 46th Asean Summit, the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit, and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 26 and 27. – Bernama
New Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Uniting Asean cooperatives
KUALA LUMPUR: THE Asean Cooperative Dialogue 2025 (ACD2025) kicks off today, aimed at unifying cooperative policies and strategies across Southeast Asia to boost the collective well-being of the region's cooperatives. Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Bhd (Angkasa) president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah said the two-day dialogue presented a key opportunity for stakeholders to chart a unified direction for cooperatives in Asean, enhancing their role in national and regional development. "ACD2025 is a space for cooperative leaders, government departments, agencies and experts responsible for cooperatives in 10 Asean member states to discuss the sector's future direction. "We want to elevate the sector by encouraging greater regional policy uniformity and standards," he said in a recent interview. Fattah, who is Asean Co-operative Organisation (ACO) president, said ACD2025 aimed to tap into the economic potential of more than 300,000 cooperatives representing more than 65.7 million members across the region. He stressed ACO's unifying role in driving cooperative development and improving the socio-economic well-being of communities across Southeast Asia. "The sector's total estimated revenue stands at US$78.3 billion, demonstrating its significant contribution to regional growth. "With Asean's population exceeding 600 million, the market for cooperative products and services is vast. We need to approach it strategically," he said, adding that the dialogue marked a significant recognition of Malaysia's leadership as Asean chair this year. Additionally, he said the ACD2025 would become a strategic platform to strengthen regional collaboration and advance shared goals, including those outlined in the Asean Community Vision 2025 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. "There is a real need to review national policies and frameworks to ensure we are moving in a common direction." He added that Malaysia had made significant strides in cooperative development, supported by its Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Ministry, the Cooperative Commission of Malaysia, the Co-operative Institute of Malaysia, as well as national policies and strong government backing. In July last year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, during the National Cooperative Congress, announced an additional RM6 million to boost the development of cooperatives in recognition of their contribution to the economy. Anwar said the funds would be channelled through Angkasa for various initiatives. Of the total, RM2 million would be allocated to Angkasa by the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and another RM2 million from the Implementation Coordination Unit. Fattah said: "In contrast, some Asean countries place cooperatives under broader ministries, such as those overseeing culture, youth or agriculture, with varying levels of support. "Also, some countries invest significantly in the sector, while others allocate little to none. We need greater harmonisation and recognition so that cooperatives can thrive across the region." Fattah said different Asean countries have strengths in specific sectors. "Vietnam in industrial cooperatives, Singapore in retail, Thailand in agriculture and Malaysia in halal products, Islamic finance and community-based cooperatives." He emphasised the need for sustained support from Asean governments to ensure the successful implementation of the ACD2025 Resolution, which would be presented at the end of the two-day event. "Cooperatives must be recognised as important economic entities. This recognition should be reflected in national policies that prioritise their involvement in strategic sectors. "We also need cooperative-friendly policies and legal frameworks that support cross-border operations, such as tax incentives, access to development projects, financing and digitalisation support." Fattah said the region's cooperative sector would benefit from a dedicated Asean fund to support small- and medium-sized cooperatives in boosting productivity, overcoming challenges and expanding market access. "We hope Asean governments will fully commit to implementing the ACD2025 Resolution as a regional agenda."With the right policies and implementation, cooperatives can play a much larger role in grassroots development and inclusive socio-economic growth." Fattah added that the Asean Cooperative Product Showcase, which featured innovative products and services from cooperatives across the region, was held alongside the dialogue. "A total of 24 delegates from five countries, namely Malaysia, Indonesia, Timor-Leste, Thailand and Vietnam are participating in the exhibition, showcasing their cooperative offerings to potential regional markets." On the domestic front, Angkasa just celebrated its 54th anniversary yesterday. Established on May 12, 1971, Angkasa now represents over 16,280 cooperatives nationwide, with 7.2 million members. Up to 2024, the cooperative movement's contributions are substantial, with RM173.3 billion in assets, RM18.3 billion in share capital and fees, and RM68.2 billion in annual turnover. "Angkasa has grown steadily over the decades. We play a central role in driving cooperative policy and expanding business networks locally and internationally," Fattah said. Guided by its Strategic Plan 2017–2050, Angkasa focuses on four key areas: economic development, ecosystem, governance and innovation. Fattah said: "These efforts align with national priorities, including the National Entrepreneurship Policy 2030 and the Malaysian Cooperative Policy 2030, to position cooperatives as key drivers of high-impact entrepreneurship. "The goal is to boost cooperatives' role in driving economic resilience and broad-based prosperity, and positioning them as the leading model for sustainable and inclusive socio-economic growth." He said among the initiatives were business incubation programmes and support for cooperatives entering strategic sectors such as halal products, tourism, digitalisation, agriculture and plantations. "Angkasa is also dedicated to strengthening its presence at both regional and international levels through active participation in ACO and the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). "Angkasa has gained global recognition through events like the ICA General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur (2017), the Global Youth Forum in Sarawak (2020) and the Asia-Pacific Cooperative Youth Summit in Sabah (2023). "These events reflect Malaysia's strong cooperative movement and have drawn international interest in our model." However, he admitted that challenges remain. "Many cooperatives struggle with business sustainability, limited human resources, lack of digital readiness and capital constraints. Public perception also continues to narrowly associate cooperatives with loan activities." He said to address financing issues, Angkasa, via its Koperasi Pembiayaan Syariah Angkasa, offered business loans to cooperatives. "To address digitalisation challenges, a Cooperative Digitalisation Plan has been developed, along with the introduction of the BA100 online retail management system.
