MALAYSIA PUSHES STRONGER BIMP-EAGA TIES TO DRIVE REGIONAL GROWTH

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia remains committed to strengthening subregional cooperation, including through the Brunei–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), throughout its ASEAN chairmanship this year as part of efforts to enhance economic integration and balanced development in the region.

Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin said BIMP-EAGA continues to play an important role in fostering closer economic ties among neighbouring countries, particularly Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines, notably through the strengthening of cross-border trade.

“Intra-ASEAN trade is still low, at less than 35 per cent. Therefore, all existing platforms and mechanisms, including BIMP-EAGA, must be fully utilised to boost economic cooperation among these countries,” he said in response to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Bobbey Suan in the Dewan Negara today.

Bobbey had asked about the government’s plans to expand the functions of BIMP-EAGA, particularly in driving economic, social and other development in East Malaysia during Malaysia’s current ASEAN chairmanship.

Responding to a related question on youth involvement in ASEAN, Mohamad said participation of the younger generation continues to be a priority for both Malaysia and ASEAN, in line with the launch of the ‘ASEAN Community Vision 2045: Our Shared Future’. 

He said the document emphasises the creation of a prosperous, peaceful and inclusive ASEAN community, with contributions from all sectors including youth, women and parliamentarians.

“Young people with an interest in ASEAN are indeed involved. Not only youth, but parliamentarians are also engaged through inter-parliamentary mechanisms to ensure that the ASEAN Community Vision can be realised in the future,” he said.

Earlier, Mohamad noted that in nearly a year of Malaysia holding the ASEAN 2025 chairmanship, the country has successfully fulfilled its mandate through efforts to strengthen peace, stability, community development, and regional economic cooperation and integration, reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a credible and respected regional leader.

-- BERNAMA