Latest news with #AseanCommunityVision2045
The Star
3 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean Sec-Gen hails 'twin successes' of 46th Summit with Vision 2045, Timor-Leste admission
Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn speaks during an interview with media practitioners held in conjunction with the 46th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 25, 2025. - Photo: Bernama JAKARTA: (Bernama) Asean Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn on Wednesday (May 28) hailed the 46th Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur as a success, citing the adoption of the Asean Community Vision 2045 and progress toward Timor-Leste's full membership as landmark outcomes. Held under Malaysia's 2025 Asean Chairmanship themed "Inclusivity and Sustainability', the two-day summit embodied the spirit of Asean's collective aspirations, he said. Kao highlighted the "twin successes' of the summit - the launch of the Asean Community Vision 2045 with four strategic plans, and the consensus to admit Timor-Leste as Asean's 11th full member, with formal induction expected at the October summit. "Leaders reached consensus on Timor-Leste's full membership during the summit's retreat session,' he said, noting that a dedicated Timor-Leste unit has been established within the Asean Secretariat to support the accession process. He made the remarks during a briefing on the summit's outcomes-including the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the Asean-GCC-China Summit-attended by the diplomatic corps and media at the Asean Headquarters. Reflecting on the overall outcome, Kao said the summit was successful in terms of participation, substance, and organisation, achieving its intended goals, with a total of 22 outcome documents adopted during the summits. On internal challenges, Kao said Asean leaders engaged in "frank and candid' discussions, particularly regarding the crisis in Myanmar and regional economic pressures. "External meetings with China and the GCC also emphasised trust-building both within the region and with external partners,' he stressed. On Myanmar, he said leaders reaffirmed the validity of the five-point consensus and noted growing support for appointing a long-term special envoy to step up diplomatic efforts amid ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns. On impact of US tariffs, Kao said Asean countries face serious economic disruption but have agreed not to retaliate, instead opting for cooperative negotiations with Washington. He added that the bloc plans to upgrade its free trade agreements with South Korea, explore a potential region-to-region free trade agreement with the GCC. At the Asean-GCC meeting, Kao both sides agreed to deepen co-operation in areas such as trade, investment, tourism, air connectivity, people-to-people exchange, and energy transition as well as discuss the Palestine and Gaza issues. The inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit was also held, where leaders underscored the importance of a rules-based multilateral trading system and explored synergies in trade, energy, and technology. When asked about the possibility of Papua New Guinea (PNG) joining Asean following Indonesia's expressed support, Kao stated that although the matter was brought up, there has been no formal discussion among Asean member states to date. "That is something that our officials would need to look into,' he said, adding that consensus among all current members would be necessary for PNG to join. - Bernama
Malaysiakini
3 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
What's in store for Rafizi
Good morning. Here's what you should know today. Key Highlights What's in store for Rafizi What's been going on at Asean summit What's in store for Rafizi Rafizi Ramli may have lost the PKR deputy presidency, but the party could have duties for him in mind. The new leadership is set to convene soon to do a post-mortem on the party polls, and discuss appointed positions, including for Rafizi. In the previous PKR election, Rafizi's opponent for the deputy presidency, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, was appointed as the party secretary-general after his defeat. The Pandan MP, however, has signalled that he is not keen on taking on an appointed post. He said that his successor Nurul Izzah Anwar had alluded to such an appointment during a meeting before the party polls, but that he had rejected the offer. In the meantime, Rafizi is still serving as economic minister while the Asean summit is ongoing in what might be his swan song in office. HIGHLIGHTS What's been going on at Asean summit The two day Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur has wrapped up. Here are some highlights in brief: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wrote to US President Donald Trump to request a US-Asean meeting. Asean adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, a foundation to guide development and cooperation until 2045. They also adopted the Asean Community Vision 2045, a roadmap on labour, mobility, and the economy. Gulf countries announced plans to increase trade with Asean from US130.7 billion in 2023 to US$180 billion by 2032. HIGHLIGHTS Views that matter In case you missed it
Malaysiakini
3 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
What's in store for Rafizi
Good morning. Here's what you should know today. Key Highlights What's in store for Rafizi What's been going on at Asean summit What's in store for Rafizi Rafizi Ramli may have lost the PKR deputy presidency, but the party could have duties for him in mind. The new leadership is set to convene soon to do a post-mortem on the party polls, and discuss appointed positions, including for Rafizi. In the previous PKR election, Rafizi's opponent for the deputy presidency, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, was appointed as the party secretary-general after his defeat. The Pandan MP, however, has signalled that he is not keen on taking on an appointed post. He said that his successor Nurul Izzah Anwar had alluded to such an appointment during a meeting before the party polls, but that he had rejected the offer. In the meantime, Rafizi is still serving as economic minister while the Asean summit is ongoing in what might be his swan song in office. HIGHLIGHTS What's been going on at Asean summit The two day Asean summit in Kuala Lumpur has wrapped up. Here are some highlights in brief: Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wrote to US President Donald Trump to request a US-Asean meeting. Asean adopted the Kuala Lumpur Declaration, a foundation to guide development and cooperation until 2045. They also adopted the Asean Community Vision 2045, a roadmap on labour, mobility, and the economy. Gulf countries announced plans to increase trade with Asean from US130.7 billion in 2023 to US$180 billion by 2032. HIGHLIGHTS Views that matter In case you missed it
![[UPDATED] Asean: Retaliatory trade moves risk worsening global fragmentation](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fimages%2Farticles%2FHQ260525AA085_1748354075.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[UPDATED] Asean: Retaliatory trade moves risk worsening global fragmentation](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.nst.com.my%2Fassets%2FNST-Logo%402x.png%3Fid%3Db37a17055cb1ffea01f5&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
[UPDATED] Asean: Retaliatory trade moves risk worsening global fragmentation
KUALA LUMPUR: Asean has underscored that unilateral and retaliatory trade actions are counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation. In a joint statement following the 46th Asean Summit, the bloc said it had instructed relevant officials to monitor the potential risk of trade diversion and engage with partners through established platforms for constructive solutions. The statement comes amid the United States' (US) imposition of unilateral tariffs on Asean members. "Asean underscores that unilateral and retaliatory trade actions are counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation, especially when these actions create indirect impacts on Asean. "We also remain committed to a peaceful and constructive resolution with our partners through consultative dialogue, mutual respect, and adherence to international law, in line with the fundamental principles under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia. "To this end, we reaffirm Asean's commitment to regional unity, economic stability and practical cooperation in navigating external challenges," it said. It said member states were committed to maintaining open and secure trade flows, and working with partners to strengthen supply chain resilience and promote sustainable development. It reaffirmed the bloc's unwavering commitment to upholding the multilateral trading system, highlighting the importance of a predictable, transparent, inclusive, free, fair, sustainable and rules-based framework, with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at its core. "We are ready to engage constructively with WTO members to advance necessary reforms and ensure that the global trading system remains predictable, transparent, non-discriminatory, open, and capable of addressing contemporary challenges," it said. It said member states were also determined to leverage the full benefit of regional economic integration to reinforce resilience and act collectively in the face of external disruptions, including unilateral trade measures that threaten the integrity and stability of the global trading system. "Asean stands ready to lead with unity, ambition, and a firm belief in a rules-based multilateral trading system." As the Asean Economic Community (AEC) Blueprint 2025 enters its final phase, Asean reaffirmed its commitment to delivering and advancing a bold and forward-looking Asean Community Vision 2045. The bloc also reaffirmed Asean's unity and centrality as key to regional peace, stability and prosperity. Asean leaders said they would undertake timely and targeted domestic measures to mitigate the impact of high tariffs, including safeguards to support the region's industries and workers, particularly those most vulnerable to trade disruptions. "At the same time, we will work collectively to ensure that Asean is well prepared to embrace future transformative change that drives innovation, fosters resilience, and enhances regional competitiveness. "In doing so, we are determined to ensure that no one is left behind in our journey towards a more inclusive, sustainable and digitally empowered Asean."
The Star
4 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Asean looks ahead with 20-year roadmap
KUALA LUMPUR: A new long-term strategic plan, Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, will chart the growth of the grouping over the next two decades, with measures to strengthen regional cooperation as well as a community-building agenda. The document, which serves as a roadmap, has outlined broad strategic outlooks that will guide Asean in addressing the impact of existing and future megatrends, inherent opportunities, while maintaining Asean centrality. The roadmap is a collection of six key documents, namely the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future, Asean Community Vision 2045, Asean Political-Security Community Strategic Plan, Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030, Asean Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan and the Asean Connectivity Strategic Plan. Another key component is the Asean Community Vision (ACV) 2045, which aims to provide Asean member states with ample time and adaptability to align themselves with the goals as outlined in the Vision and challenges. The ACV 2045 focuses on several areas of cooperation including political security, economic, socio-cultural, connectivity and strengthening Asean institutions. It also identifies various existing and future megatrends which present both challenges and opportunities for Asean including the maintenance of peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the South China Sea, and major power rivalries. It also highlighted the issue of digitalisation and its impact on the future of work; artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. The signing of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future signifies the adoption by the Asean leaders of the ACV 2045 along with all the strategic plans. The leaders also resolved that Asean member states should implement the ACV 2045 and its plans in a timely and effective manner. It also tasked Asean ministers and respective Asean organs and bodies, supported by the grouping's secretary-general and secretariat, to mobilise resources from member states and external sources. The ACV 2045 aims to provide a more peaceful, stable and secure region. It also plans to improve human rights, fundamental freedoms, dignity and social justice.
