The restructuring of Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (Proton) could see the revival of the “Asean Car” project, said International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed.

He said for the Asean Car project to be materialised, Proton would need to get the agreement of all Asean countries.

The ministry, which oversees the automotive industry in the country, planned to start a “conversation” with Asean members to bring the project to fruition.

"It is a good concept but the details need to be worked out. It requires a lot of cooperation and meetings,” Mustapa told reporters on the sidelines of the Khazanah Megatrends Forum 2017 today.

He said among the issues that needed to be ironed out with other Asean members included local content, vendors and component origin.

Mustapa, however, is optimistic the project could take off in five years.

"Five years seems reasonable to kick start the project," he added.

In February 2015, Proton signed a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia's PT Adiputra Citra Lestari to further “business opportunities between both companies” in developing and manufacturing the Asean Car.

The project, however, stalled as Proton was undergoing a restructuring exercise.

“Proton wasn't ready at that time,” Mustapa said.

Yesterday, at an entrepreneurs and career carnival, he said newly appointed Proton chief executive officer Li Chunrong could help spur the national automaker’s global foray.

- Bernama