By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Feb 17 — Malaysia will focus on increasing intra-Asean trade among member states during its chairmanship of the regional bloc to ensure economic resilience against external trade wars, Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said today.
Mohamad said the country will focus on Asean Centrality, which is a concept that the bloc should be the driving force of regional cooperation and security, and able to withstand external economic headwinds.
“Trade interaction within Asean countries is minimal, not even reaching 22 per cent. So, we must strengthen this cooperation through the Asean framework and enhance relations with other nations.
“Trade cooperation must be reinforced through Asean mechanisms. InshaAllah, with our chairmanship this time, we will seize the opportunity to expand cooperation beyond the Asean region.
“Specifically, we aim to strengthen ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China, as they are crucial to Asean,’’ he said during Question Time in parliament today.
Mohamad was answering questions from Kemaman MP Datuk Seri Ahmad Samsuri Mokhtar on Malaysia’s plan as Asean’s chair to navigate global uncertainty amidst heightened trade wars between the US and China.
He also stated that Asean, as a bloc, looks towards strengthening trade ties with China, the US, Turkiye, South Africa, and other trade-friendly nations through free trade agreements.
This year, Malaysia assumed the Asean chair with the theme of inclusivity and sustainability.
Among the goals are strengthening regional peace, stability, and prosperity, enhancing regional cooperation through dialogue and collaboration as well as addressing pressing regional issues, including disputes in the South China Sea and the ongoing civil war in Myanmar.
