Malaysia promotes ASEAN integration in trade, green growth

Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has noted that ASEAN is a region with significant growth potential and strong resilience amid global trade uncertainties.

MITI Deputy Secretary General (Trade) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa said ASEAN is more than just a large market, it is a reservoir of innovation, creativity, and energy with a population nearing 700 million, almost one third of whom are youth.

The demographic dividend, coupled with a rapidly growing consumer class, rising connectivity and accelerating digital adoption, gives ASEAN a unique advantage. If nurtured in accordance with the principles of sustainability and inclusivity, these strengths will not only fortify the region’s growth but also position ASEAN to play a defining role in shaping the future of the global economy, she said in her speech at the welcome dinner for the Senior Economic Officials’ Meeting (SEOM) 3/56 and Related Meetings on August 21.

Holding the ASEAN chairmanship, Mastura said, Malaysia is working to deepen regional integration, strengthen supply chain resilience, foster sustainable and responsible investment, and advance digital innovation. More importantly, the country is committed to creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes, especially micro, small and medium enterprises, to participate meaningfully in ASEAN’s growth story, she added.

In a separate statement, MITI said key discussions at the third ASEAN Senior Economic Officials' Meeting (SEOM) for the 56th Meeting of the ASEAN Economic Ministers (SEOM 3/56) focused on Malaysia’s priority economic deliverables under its 2025 ASEAN chairmanship; updates on the 2025 Annual Priorities under the AEM/SEOM purview; implementation of ASEAN agreements; advancement of the Digital Economy Framework Agreement; and ASEAN’s sustainability agenda, including carbon neutrality, circular economy, and the ASEAN Power Grid./.