Malaysian PM highlights ASEAN’s unity amid global economic strain
While ASEAN member states aim to maintain trade ties with the US, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the bloc’s determination to act collectively to safeguard its economic interests.
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The ASEAN Investment Conference 2025 opened in Kuala Lumpur on April 8, on the sidelines of the 12th ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM).
Delivering the keynote address, Malaysian Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the global trading system is facing intense pressure following the US' recent announcement of new import tariffs. While ASEAN member states aim to maintain trade ties with the US, he affirmed the bloc’s determination to act collectively to safeguard its economic interests.
This, he said, involves proactive engagement with the US to secure mutually beneficial outcomes, while at the same time diversifying and deepening trade relationships with major markets in the European Union, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Amid growing uncertainty, rising protectionism and shifting supply chains, ASEAN stands as a “beacon of hope and positivity”, Anwar said, citing the bloc’s continued commitment to openness, cooperation, and institutional stability.
“Our vision for ASEAN is a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive region. This will require political will, serious capital, fortitude — and a strong dose of good fortune. It also calls for swift progress on sub-regional initiatives,” he added.
The Malaysian leader stressed that ASEAN’s true strength lies in its durability, not drama. Since its establishment in 1967, the region has weathered wars, crises and political upheavals, and today it has what it takes to respond to new challenges such as Washington’s tariff moves.
US President Donald Trump’s tariff decision is not the first threat to multilateralism — nor will it be the last, Anwar said, reiterating that but if ASEAN remains calm, open, pragmatic and united, it may yet stand as one of the lastꦫ champions of a global order that thrives on cooperation./.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urged members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) not to underestimate the issue, particularly amid the current global economic and political uncertainties.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders will also meet to discuss the member states’ solutions to address and mitigate potential disruptions to regional trade, supply chain networks, and cross-border investments, the MITI said.
Since April 3, right after US President Donald Trump’s announcement, Party and State leaders have engaged in various meetings, working sessions, and phone calls to discuss and find solutions to remove the tariff barriers imposed by the US government, and ensure the harmonisation of interests for both sides.
The article stressed that throughout his revolutionary career, the founder of modern Vietnam consistently regarded the revolutionary press as a vital part of the Vietnamese Party’s and nation’s revolutionary struggle.
Pichai said the trade talks with the US are important and need to move forward professionally, without regard for any political changes in Thailand, believing that Thailand has clear principles, guidelines and procedures in place.
The tax adjustment supports the Malaysian Government’s strategy to reduce reliance on foreign food supply chains and to assist domestic farmers, a finance official has said.
The proposed venue is located in the Chatuchak area of Bangkok, featuring eight public sites, including Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal and several nearby parks.
Connectivity is expected to improve further with the completion of the fifth Laos–Thailand Friendship Bridge by the end of 2025, facilitating logistics and agricultural exports to Vietnam, Thailand, and China.
Two naval gunboats intercepted a fishing vessel carrying 1.5 tonnes of methamphetamine hydrochloride off the coast of the main island of Luzon just before dawn, in a joint operation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
In the today context of socio-economic development and growth, the professionalism of Vietnam’s revolutionary journalists continues to rise, guided by exemplary mastery of new information technologies and the modernisation of their founding principles to preserve the enduring values of revolutionary journalism.
Thai Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Vuttikrai Leewiraphan Thailand's formal proposal will be substantial enough for the US to consider further detailed negotiations. He hoped for a tariff rate not exceeding 10% and suggested that the US might extend the negotiation period if an agreement is not reached by the July 8 deadline.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture and the Association of Thai Silk & Culture Promotions, the event honors Her Majesty the Queen on her 47th birthday anniversary and promotes Thai craftsmanship on an international stage.
Prensa Latina's recent article on Vietnam’s assurance of smooth and effective transition to a leaner structure highlighted Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s latest directions on implementing 28 resolutions regarding the decentralisation and delegation of authority.
The lab focuses on four key thematic areas: energy transition and green innovation, sustainable agriculture, circular economy and sustainable cities, and nature-based solutions and biodiversity.
The key content of the document titled "Accelerating Innovative Strategies: Addressing the OOSCY Challenges" will be refined further in a seminar preceding the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC, it said.
Efforts to empower women must transcend dialogue and translate into concrete commitments, including corporate pledges and government partnerships, according to the spouse of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
