Malaysian PM hopes for enhanced ASEAN trade, investment
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim laid stress on the significance of cooperation within ASEAN while addressing at the Seoul National University on November 26.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (Photo: Bernama)
Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim laid stress on the significance of cooperation within ASEAN while addressing at the Seoul National University on November 26.
As Malaysia is set to assume the ASEAN chairmanship next year, the PM said he will dedicate his efforts to zoom in on empowering the ASEAN Power Grid and push further for common digitalisation among regional economies. Besides, he will strives to bolster ties with ASEAN’s traditional partners, including the economic giants of China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
He held that such an approach was imperative as ASEAN happens to be the most peaceful and dynamic economic region in the world for which its economic potential should be fully realised.
Anwar, also the Finance Minister, said the collaboration and working relations between the 10 ASEAN leaders are excellent, which is advan😼tageous to making collective decisions and taking commerciไal linkages to a significantly higher plane./.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on November 15 said that Malaysia may be the chair for the ASEAN and ABAC-ASEAN Caucus next year, but the 10-member bloc will continue to work together as one under the concept of centrality.
Malaysia has committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, positioning itself as a responsible global player in the fight against climate change despite contributing just 0.8% of global emissions.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has stated that he is acutely aware of the weight of the responsibility as the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025 that the country is to assume soon.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
In March, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra met with Formula 1 chief Stefano Domenicali and said Thailand would commission a feasibility study into hosting a Grand Prix on a Bangkok street circuit from 2028.
The proposed giant sea wall aligns with bilateral cooperation and has been designated a national priority, considering that several regions in Indonesia are experiencing land subsidence of 10–15 centimetres per year.
International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration in the exploration and exploitation of mineral resources, including gold, copper, and manganese, as well as in the development of steel, aluminum, and renewable energy industries.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
Univers said in a statement that the new centre will serve as a hub for innovation, bringing together digital intelligence and climate ambition to accelerate Sarawak's transition toward a low-carbon, tech-enabled economy.
The target is to be completely free from plastic waste within two years. This can only be achieved if all parties implement the initiative with strong discipline.
Indonesia is taking new steps to improve protections for fishery workers, amid concerns over low wages, harsh working conditions, and limited access to social welfare.
The 2025 ASEAN- the Republic of Korea (RoK) Connectivity Forum that opened in Jakarta on June 17 reaffirmed a shared commitment to shaping a connected, resilient future by advancing the ASEAN Connectivity Strategic Plan.
The desk will serve as a service centre providing market intelligence, business licensing guidance, facilitating business cooperation, identifying potential investment projects, and harmonising regulatory policies between the two parties.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim noted that the Asia-Pacific region accounted for half of global energy consumption and 60% of greenhouse gas emissions in 2024. Despite this, regional countries, including eight of ten ASEAN member states, remain committed to climate goals, including net-zero emissions and tripling global renewable capacity by 2030.
