KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 — Asean, chaired by Malaysia this year, has expressed full support for efforts to strengthen open markets and uphold a rules-based multilateral trading system as the foundation for sustainable and inclusive global growth.
Malaysia’s permanent representative to the World Trade Organisation Syahril Syazli Ghazali said Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship’s theme, “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, reflects the nation’s priority to promote fair, sustainable and inclusive trade.
“In addressing the emerging global headwinds and uncertainties, Asean Geoeconomics Task Force was established to monitor, assess and recommend policy responses to strengthen Asean — as a single market,” he said in a statement to Bernama today.
Syahril Syazli represented Malaysia at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting held Tuesday and yesterday in Paris.
Malaysia is also spearheading various initiatives to build a digitally resilient Asean, in particular, driving the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations, towards substantial conclusion by the end of this year, he added.
“DEFA is a cornerstone in facilitating and promoting the ‘inclusivity’ of Asean, and ensuring the region will continue to enjoy digital trade benefits,” he said.
On empowering micro, small and medium enterprises as well as women, Syahril Syazli said Malaysia is fostering digital skills for women entrepreneurs via national programmes such as EmpowerHER Digital and Women Exporters Development Programme, aimed at integrating more women-led businesses into the global value chain.
“The landmark initiative to establish Asean’s first Women’s Economic Empowerment Centre in Kuala Lumpur, announced last month, would further enhance the role of women in economic development and promote inclusive growth in the region,” he added.
— Bernama
