M'sia must develop Asean economic integration as chair: Deputy minister

Malaysia must develop the Asean economic integration post-2025 agenda even as it gears up to chair the bloc next year, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry said.

Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said the post-2025 agenda parallels the Asean Community Vision 2045 which aims for a resilient, innovative, and dynamic fraternity, as noted by leaders in September 2023.

The post-2025 agenda will support Asean Economic Community plans, strategically developed in five-year cycles between 2025 and 2045, Liew said in his speech at the 6th Asean Economic Integration Forum.

“This is a big task to complete. It is also a crucial opportunity for Asean to reset its economic integration priorities, with a 20-year projection,” he said.

He said this must be done based on an in-depth analysis of Malaysia’s current position and future aspirations, vis-a-vis the global megatrends spanning across various sectors, taking into consideration Malaysia’s 2025 economic priorities that it must deliver.

Liew frames these priorities into four key areas, enhancing intra-Asean trade and investment; forging an inclusive and sustainable future; integrating and connecting economies; and transforming for the digital future.

He also said his ministry is collaborating with Laos’ Industry and Commerce Ministry to introduce the Malaysia-Laos Economic Cooperation Scholarship for the 2025 academic year, in collaboration with Monash University Malaysia, Taylor’s University, Sunway University, UCSI University, INTI International University, and Help University.

Each university is offering two fully funded scholarships to qualified Laotian students to continue their studies in Malaysia, he said.

The ministry, via Malaysia chairing Asean in 2025, looks forward to supporting and empowering the less-developed member states to achieve collective growth, he said.

- Bernama

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