Balanced Approach Positions Malaysia As Bridge Connecting Various Economic Blocs -- PM Anwar

From Nor Baizura Basri

GYEONGJU (South Korea), Oct 30 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia’s balanced approach - maintaining close relations with both the United States and China - has successfully positioned the country as a bridge linking various economic blocs in the region.

This approach, which is also grounded in regional cooperation through ASEAN and platforms such as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), is seen as timely amid an increasingly fragmented and uncertain global trade environment, the prime minister said in a statement here tonight.

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Earlier, Anwar, who had just arrived tonight for a working visit in conjunction with the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting (AELM), received the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) 2025 Annual Report from ABAC Malaysia Chair Datuk Ruben Emir Gnanalingam. He said he would study the report as an important input for policy discussions throughout the AELM, particularly in advancing an agenda centred on people’s well-being, economic justice, and balanced regional development.

“This report gathers the views and aspirations of the business community across Asia-Pacific economies for APEC Economic Leaders, with the aim of strengthening inclusive and sustainable growth, enhancing business competitiveness, and ensuring that the benefits of prosperity are shared by all levels of society.

“The report’s call for open, rules-based trade is consistent with Malaysia’s neutral and pragmatic engagement policy,” said Anwar, who is also the finance minister.

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He is currently on a three-day working visit beginning tonight.

Anwar is scheduled to deliver Malaysia’s official statement during the APEC Economic Leaders’ Dialogue with Guests event, emphasising the importance of inclusivity in strengthening supply chains, developing the digital economy, and promoting regional cooperation for sustainable development.

On the sidelines of the AELM, the prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with several APEC economic representatives.

Also on the agenda are meetings with potential investors, including separate sessions with Namhae Chemical Corp and JS Link, as well as representatives from Nvidia and YTL Power.

The prime minister will then attend the APEC Economic Leaders dinner before ending the day with a press conference.

-- BERNAMA