Latest news with #SharifahHunaini
Barnama
17-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
ASEAN Nations Taking Steps To Establish Monetary Fund, Strengthen Regional Financial Security
BUSINESS From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail KAZAN, (TATARSTAN), May 17 (Bernama) -- ASEAN countries are taking steps to revive the idea of creating their own monetary fund, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said that there is a need for transformation within ASEAN, particularly in the financial sector, and that the grouping is actively taking steps in this direction. "One example is the Chiang Mai Initiative, where central banks in the region collaborate and promote the use of local currencies, such as in current efforts with Thailand, Indonesia, and China, which are targeting 20 per cent of trade transactions in local currencies, representing billions of dollars. 'This shows that, where possible, we should proceed. Although the dollar remains the dominant currency globally, we can at least establish some form of reprieve to help mitigate risks and protect our national interests," Anwar said in an interview with TV BRICS. He was responding to a question on transformation among ASEAN countries, particularly in the financial sector, and his proposal to revive an Asian Monetary Fund as a buffer to shield the region from economic crises. The interview was conducted yesterday, during the final leg of his official visit to Kazan, Russia. Anwar began the first part of his four-day visit in Moscow on May 13. The prime minister also noted that Malaysia will host the ASEAN meeting at the end of this month, which will focus primarily on economic matters.
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Stronger Malaysia-Russia Ties Not At Expense Of Others, Says PM Anwar
BUSINESS From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail KAZAN (Tatarstan) May 17 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today that Malaysia's growing ties with Russia should not be seen as a zero-sum game, stressing that as an open trading nation, it is vital for the country to expand partnerships broadly to protect its economic interests. He stressed that strengthening relations with one country does not mean weakening ties with others, including the United States (US). 'It should not be seen as a matter of a zero-sum game. It should be complementary,' Anwar told reporters at the exit press conference at the end of his four-day official visit to Russia, when asked if close ties with Moscow would affect Malaysia's relations with other countries. His official visit here included meetings with President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and several industry leaders in Moscow and Kazan. In fact, as an open trading nation, Malaysia remains committed to expanding trade partnerships broadly and independently, as part of efforts to protect and promote national economic interests, said Anwar, who is also Finance Minister. 'Malaysia is a trading country. To protect our interests, we have to broaden and expand our market and trading partnerships,' he said. Malaysia continues to welcome American investments, citing recent discussions between Malaysian agencies and US counterparts. 'In fact, just last week, AMD (Advanced Micro Devices Inc) was there. There have been serious discussions to expand activities, and we certainly welcome that,' said the prime minister.
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
Islamic World Should strengthen Fundamentals, Starting With Economy
From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail KAZAN (Tatarstan), May 16 (Bernama) -- The Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim called on the Islamic world to work together and strengthen its fundamentals, which begin with the economy, especially the halal industry that is worth US$3 trillion. From the Gulf countries, to the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, we should then formalise and strengthen this cohesion, he said. 'Then, Islamic finance, not a matter of adopting just what you call as 'riba'-free, but to enter into new innovations so that it offers an alternative and economically viable for the Muslim world and also the participation of non-Muslims in our societies and non-Muslim countries,' said Anwar during the Plenary Session of the 16th International Economic Forum "Russia- Islamic World: KazanForum 2025'. Speaking in front of 2,500 participants from more than 100 countries, Anwar also touched on energy transition and digital transformation, and the need for the Muslim countries to embrace them. "Because after all, how do we honour, love, and follow the deeds of Muhammad, peace be upon him? Because of values and character. So the issue before us, for the young and for us, is to make sure that there is a difference. Family values are important,' he said. He once again emphasised how to address issues regarding the youth today, echoing his keynote address at the earlier session, urging scholars, intellectuals, and political leaders to take action. 'We have deliberated these issues a number of times, and I have suggested in the strategic meeting this morning that for the youth, we should follow up.
Barnama
16-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
PM Anwar To Deliver Keynote Address On Digitalisation At KazanForum
BUSINESS By Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail KAZAN (Tatarstan), May 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will deliver a digitalisation-themed keynote address at the 16th International Economic Forum 'Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum' (KazanForum 2025), marking the highlight of his official visit to the Russian Federation on its final day. Anwar, who arrived here yesterday, is expected to deliver his keynote address titled 'Digitalisation: New Reality and Additional Opportunities for Expanding Cooperation" during the plenary session at around 2:30 pm (Kazan time). KazanForum serves as a key platform for fostering economic cooperation between Russia and Islamic countries. Earlier, the prime minister began his packed schedule at 9 am by participating in the economic forum held at the Kazan Hi-Technology Park. Anwar, who is also the finance minister, had the opportunity to tour the technology park, which was established in 2009 and is Russia's first technopark involved in the development of companies in the field of information technology. Kazan, located more than 830 kilometres from Moscow or over eight hours by road, is the largest city and capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. Kazan is known as an industrial, commercial, and cultural centre for the Tatar people. Meanwhile, the Malaysian prime minister is also expected to attend a luncheon hosted by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Aleksei Pesoshin, at Tatarskaya Usadba. Anwar is then scheduled to hold a press conference before concluding his official visit to the Russian Federation and departing for Malaysia at 6 pm (Kazan time). During his official visit, Anwar was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Li Kang, Minister of Higher Education Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, and Minister of Plantation and Commodities Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. In 2024, Russia was Malaysia's ninth-largest trading partner among European countries, with total trade reaching RM11.46 billion (US$2.48 billion).
Barnama
14-05-2025
- Business
- Barnama
PM Attends Roundtable Meeting With Russian Industry Players
BUSINESS From Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail MOSCOW, May 14 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim continued the agenda of his second day of official visit to Russia by attending a roundtable meeting with industry leaders of the Russian Federation. The meeting, which began at 9 am here, was attended by 24 major companies in Russia and two business councils represented by industry leaders to discuss strategic cooperation in increasing bilateral trade between Malaysia and Russia. In the meeting, industry leaders in Russia expressed their desire to explore new collaborations in various fields including food manufacturing, agriculture, technology, logistics services, property development and financial services. The meeting covered industrial sectors involving major products such as palm oil-based products, furniture manufacturing, chemical industry and retail. Among the companies involved were Oil Partners, Sportmaster and Russian Direct Investment Fund. The meeting was also attended by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Li Kang, Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir and Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. In 2024, Russia was Malaysia's ninth largest trading partner among European nations, with a trade volume of RM11.46 billion. Malaysia's main exports to Russia include electrical and electronic products, machinery, equipment and spare parts, and processed foods.
