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Foreign Minister Calls for Enhanced ASEAN Economic Integration in Wake of Global Disruptions
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 - In response to the intensifying global disruptions, including the US-China trade war, climate change, and rapid technological shifts, Malaysia's Foreign Minister, Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, underscored the urgent need for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to intensify regional economic integration and bolster collective resilience.
Pointing out the potential for superpower competition to disturb the Asian landscape, given that ASEAN nations are heavy recipients of US-imposed tariffs, Mohamad argued the importance of adopting a coordinated approach to tackle the forthcoming challenges.
"The time is ripe for us to deepen regional economic integration, thereby fortifying our region against external turbulence," he said during the opening of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM) at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today.
The minister emphasized the priority of narrowing income disparities within ASEAN as a means of upholding the bloc's regional community-building efforts. He expressed hope that greater economic integration would offer more robust protection from external shocks.
Mohamad highlighted ASEAN's agility in responding to crises, such as the swift action taken following the devastating earthquake in parts of Myanmar and Thailand, as evidence of the organization's commitment to compassion, unity, and humanitarian values.
Besides addressing internal issues, Mohamad called on stakeholders in Myanmar to cease hostilities and extend the ceasefire to smooth recovery efforts and alleviate the suffering of the country's population.
As the chair and host of the ASEAN 2025, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', Malaysia will preside over the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits at KLCC from May 26 to 27.
According to the Enrichment Data, ASEAN is wrestling with the widespread impact of US tariffs, with proposed duties reaching 49% for Cambodian exports. In response, ASEAN has accelerated its partnership with China through upgraded trade deals, indicating a shift toward the diversification of economic partnerships away from Western markets.
Malaysia is actively championing the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, focusing on digital and technological transformation as the pathway to sustainable growth. The country is also promoting shorter five-year strategic cycles, enabling ASEAN to swiftly adapt to global changes, particularly in the digital landscape.
- The Foreign Minister of Malaysia, in light of global disruptions such as the US-China trade war, climate change, and rapid technological shifts, has emphasized the need for ASEAN nations to deepen regional economic integration, specifically to fortify the region against external turbulence.
- Amidst the intensifying impact of US tariffs on ASEAN nations, Malaysia's move to champion the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 is focused on digital and technological transformation as a means to sustainable growth.
- Evidencing ASEAN's commitment to humanitarian values, the organization swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in parts of Myanmar and Thailand with compassionate aid.
- As the chair and host of ASEAN 2025, themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', Malaysia will work toward narrowing income disparities within ASEAN as a means of upholding the bloc's regional community-building efforts and offering more robust protection from external shocks.
