Latest news with #AseanLeaders
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Asean must step up or risk irrelevance in a changed world, says Singapore PM Lawrence Wong
SINGAPORE, May 28 — Asean has to step up, work together, and fashion a place for itself in this changed world or risk losing its relevance, said Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong after concluding his visit to Malaysia for the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits. Wong said there was a clear sense of renewed urgency amongst Asean Leaders to advance the bloc's integration efforts, and the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 is an important, positive step in that direction. 'Over the past two days, I had many productive meetings to discuss global and regional developments, and how we can work with like-minded partners to chart a way forward in this turbulent world. 'Terima kasih, Prime Minister (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim, for your warm hospitality, and I look forward to welcoming you soon in Singapore,' he posted on Facebook on Tuesday. Meanwhile, in an interview with Singapore media in Kuala Lumpur, Wong said he was glad that Asean leaders had held candid discussions on the new realities at the summit, and recognised the urgency of pushing for closer integration, The Straits Times (ST) reported. Wong, who also serves as Finance Minister, said the concrete steps that the bloc can take include the full implementation of existing agreements, making it completely tariff-free and reducing non-tariff barriers to make trade more seamless. Meanwhile, he also commended Malaysia's leadership as Asean chair, stating that the country played an important role in helping the bloc to navigate a range of global challenges. 'Malaysia has helped to steer Asean through challenges including the US tariff actions, humanitarian crisis in Myanmar, difficult issues like conflict in Gaza. 'These are all global issues that matter to us as well in Asean and Malaysia, has taken the lead to help Asean navigate these issues, and also taken the lead to help ASEAN forge stronger partners' he said, as reported by ST. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
5 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Asean to deepen global partnerships in face of economic challenges
Beyond external partnerships, Asean member states also committed to strengthening its internal resilience through deeper intra-regional trade and investment. KUALA LUMPUR : Amid escalating global trade tensions and a volatile international economic landscape, Asean leaders today reaffirmed their strong commitment to expanding and upgrading their Asean+1 free trade agreements (FTAs) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (RCEP). This pledge, made during the 46th Asean Summit held here today, underscores the bloc's determination to navigate external challenges through strengthened partnerships. Chief among these challenges is the prospect of punitive tariffs ranging from 10-46% imposed by the bloc's second-largest trading partner, the US, on April 3. In a joint statement, the Asean leaders described unilateral and retaliatory trade actions as 'counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation, especially when these actions create indirect impacts on Asean'. The member states also pledged to deepen cooperation with existing external partners and are actively seeking new and emerging partnerships, including region-to-region linkages such as with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China through its tripartite summit, which convened for the first time earlier today. These efforts are seen as reinforcing Asean's resilience, expanding economic opportunities, and solidifying its position as a dynamic global trade and investment hub. Beyond external partnerships, Asean also committed to strengthening its internal resilience through deeper intra-regional trade and investment. This includes accelerating key initiatives in its Digital Economy Framework Agreement and the upgrade of the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement. The bloc expressed confidence that this would enhance regional integration, boost business certainty and competitiveness, and ensure Asean remained cohesive and adaptable to emerging challenges. Domestically, Asean member states will also take individualised steps to mitigate the impact of high tariffs, including safeguards to support regional industries vulnerable to trade disruptions. Speaking at a press conference following the conclusion of the 46th Asean Summit today, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim emphasised the importance of protecting the interests of approximately 660 million people across the region. 'On (the US) tariffs, while proceeding with bilateral negotiations, the consensus was that there should be some form of understanding within Asean, and that any decision should not come at the expense of other countries,' he said.
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Kuala Lumpur Declaration explained: What does Asean's 20-year ‘2045 Vision' promise?
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — All 10 Asean leaders, including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, yesterday signed a regional long-term vision document titled Asean 2045: Our Shared Future. Dubbed the 'Kuala Lumpur Declaration', the document marks a significant milestone in the bloc's ongoing journey towards deeper regional integration. This long-term framework replaces Asean 2025: Forging Ahead Together, adopted in 2015 under Malaysia's chairmanship. It comprises six core documents: The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on Asean 2045: Our Shared Future Asean Community Vision (ACV) 2045 — Resilient, Innovative, Dynamic and People-Centred Asean Asean Political-Security Community Strategic Plan Asean Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026–2030 Asean Socio-Cultural Community Strategic Plan Asean Connectivity Strategic Plan Here's what you need to know about Asean's long-term direction: What is the Kuala Lumpur Declaration? The Kuala Lumpur Declaration is a foundational diplomatic document signed during the 46th Asean Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. It formally adopts the Asean Community Vision 2045, setting the strategic direction for the region over the next two decades. The declaration emphasises the need for effective implementation, enhanced institutional capacity and deeper regional cooperation. It also calls on external partners to support Asean's long-term goals. Above all, it reaffirms Asean's commitment to unity, stability and sustainable development — positioning the region as a future global leader. What is Asean 2045? Asean 2045: Our Shared Future is a comprehensive strategic blueprint guiding the region's growth and integration through to 2045. Building on the Asean 2025 vision, the new framework envisions a resilient, innovative, dynamic and people-centred Asean community, aiming to cement the region's role as a key growth hub in the Indo-Pacific. The vision also seeks to elevate Asean's global standing by addressing megatrends and promoting sustainable development. Why is Asean adopting a 20-year vision? The two-decade outlook provides a clear and adaptive roadmap for member states to achieve common goals amid a fast-evolving global landscape. It supports long-term strategic planning, prioritises resource allocation and enables consistent monitoring of progress. Such a long-term framework also ensures sustainability, alignment with future developments, and a proactive response to emerging opportunities and challenges. Key pillars of Asean Community Vision 2045 The vision is structured around four main pillars, each promoting inclusivity, resilience and regional strength: 1. Political security Promoting peace, stability, and adherence to international law; enhancing Asean's regional role; and safeguarding neutrality and security. 2. Economic Positioning Asean as the world's fourth-largest economy by advancing innovation, digital transformation, stronger supply chains and sustainable growth. 3. Socio-cultural Fostering a cohesive and inclusive community grounded in shared identity, while championing health, social justice, gender equality, youth empowerment and cultural preservation. 4. Connectivity and institutional capacity Boosting infrastructure and digital connectivity, strengthening urban resilience and enhancing Asean institutions for more effective governance. What's new in ACV 2045? While building on past efforts, ACV 2045 introduces several forward-looking priorities: 1. Regional leadership in global affairs Reinforcing Asean's role in shaping regional and global discourse, upholding a rules-based international order, and strengthening Asean-led mechanisms such as the Asean Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. 2. Focus on digital and green economies Accelerating the development of digital ecosystems, cybersecurity, advanced technologies, green growth and the blue economy. 3. Greater inclusivity Ensuring stronger representation of women, youth and marginalised communities in policymaking and connectivity initiatives. 4. Sustainability and resilience Placing climate action, environmental protection, pandemic preparedness and supply chain resilience at the heart of the agenda.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Asean must trade more with itself, Anwar tells bloc's business council
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — Prime Minister and Chair of the South-east Asian bloc, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has directed the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) to submit concrete proposals to boost intra-Asean trade, which currently accounts for only about 20 per cent of the grouping's total trade. He noted that his counterparts had expressed a shared desire to unlock the region's full economic potential, underscoring the opportunity to significantly expand intra-Asean trade. 'Proposals have been made by Presidents and Prime Ministers, and there is actually no reason why the extent of our inter-Asean trade and investments is still limited at this stage, as the potential is enormous. 'So please come up with some very specific proposals on how we can compel policymakers to accept some recommendations,' he said in his opening remarks at the Asean Leaders' Interface with Representative of the Asean Business Advisory Council (Aseab-BAC) here today. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, said the Asean-BAC would also be present at all Asean meetings as a standard procedure to express their views and provide suggestions. Heads of State present included Brunei Darussalam Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah; Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto; Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Manet; Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone; Vietnam Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh; Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr; Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong; and Thailand Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Also in attendance were Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, as observer, and Asean Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. This year marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing the regional bloc, having previously held the Asean Chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements — the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit — will also be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation. — Bernama
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Business
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Inclusivity and sustainability must anchor Asean's future
KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 — The principles of 'Inclusivity and Sustainability,' the theme of Malaysia's Asean Chairmanship this year, must be embedded at the very heart of the regional bloc's agenda and vision, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. In his opening remarks at the 46th Asean Summit, here today, he said the theme is a strategic and value-driven proposition. 'It speaks not only to our aspirations, but to our obligations. It is anchored in the conviction that Asean's future must rest on the twin pillars of equitable, sustainable growth and enduring resilience,' he said. Anwar also expressed his appreciation for the support of all Asean leaders in ensuring that Malaysia's Chairmanship advances the Asean Community Vision 2045, which will be launched today. Heads of state and government that were present were Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, Vietnam's Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, and Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. Also present were Timor Leste's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao as observer, and Asean's Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn. This year marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing the regional bloc, having previously held the Asean chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In conjunction with the summit, two pivotal high-level engagements, namely the 2nd Asean-GCC Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, will also be convened, serving as strategic platforms to advance regional and inter-regional cooperation. — Bernama
