KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 — Malaysia and Asean will continue to discuss and engage in dialogue with New Zealand and other key trading partners to develop an inclusive strategy to overcome challenges such as the United States (US) tariffs for the benefit of regional economic prosperity, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He spoke with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon about the US trade tariffs and reaffirmed Malaysia and Asean's commitment to prioritising negotiations.
Anwar also emphasised the importance of Asean unity in coordinating the bloc’s response.
“I also highlighted Malaysia’s initiative to host a special Asean Economic Ministers’ Meeting today to further discuss this issue and develop collective solutions.
“We both agreed on the importance of strengthening regional cooperation, including coordinating our response to the US tariffs,” he said in a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account today.
Yesterday, the Investment, Trade, and Industry Ministry said it aimed to increase bilateral trade with New Zealand by 50 per cent, with an estimated value of RM25.67 billion by 2030.
Its minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said Malaysia values trading partners like New Zealand, especially in an uncertain global economy.
— Bernama
