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New Straits Times

Anwar: Strong Asean cooperation key to tackling global economic challenges

KUALA LUMPUR: Strong cooperation between Asean leaders in facing the increasingly complex challenges of the global economy is imperative, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Delivering his opening remarks at the Asean Leaders' Meeting with Representatives of the Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) today, Anwar said this was because strong cooperation between governments plays a vital role in driving faster development. "Some key decisions must be made by the governments themselves. "As such, a standard procedure has been established to ensure that all member states can voice their views at every Asean meeting," he said. The prime minister said this year will present a more challenging global economic environment, and as such, Asean must strengthen the capacity of its governments to enhance the region's competitiveness. He added that Asean regional investment still holds significant growth potential and there is no reason why it cannot achieve greater success if existing cooperation continues to be strengthened. Anwar also underscored the importance of negotiations and mutual understanding as the way forward. "Asean leaders possess specific capabilities in formulating approaches that can encourage acceptance of common policies," he said.