MITI FOSTERING STRONGER REGIONAL COOPERATION TO UNLOCK MARKETS, SUPPLY CHAINS

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) is committed to creating an enabling environment where businesses can invest, trade and thrive by working closely with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the private sector and regional partners.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the collaborations will boost market access, supply chain connectivity and sustainable industrial development.  

He said the effort aligns with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, which reinforces ASEAN’s position as a trusted nexus for trade and investment.  

“This year’s flagship initiatives, including advancing the ASEAN Power Grid and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and upgrading trade agreements with China (ACFTA 3.0), India (AITIGA) and among ASEAN states, are meant to achieve all those objectives and more.

“Additionally, the launching of the ASEAN micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) Green Transition Centre underscores our firm commitment that no enterprise, regardless of size, should be left behind, because when MSMEs thrive, ASEAN prospers,” he said in his opening remarks at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2025 here, today.

Tengku Zafrul said ABIS 2025 convenes at a pivotal moment for ASEAN. 

“The global economic terrain is in flux, shaped by shifting supply chains, recalibrated trade alliances, and the relentless momentum of digital transformation. 

“Yet amid this uncertainty, ASEAN stands not on the sidelines but at the forefront as a beacon of resilience, stability, and shared opportunity,” he added.

-- BERNAMA