KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA Oct 26, 2025 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim called on ASEAN nations to ramp up regional trade and cooperation, with a sharp focus on digitalisation, connectivity, and maritime security, as he wrapped up the first day of the 47th ASEAN Summit here.
Speaking at a high-profile dinner hosted by the Bloomberg Business Summit alongside regional business and finance leaders, Anwar emphasised the need to fully harness the bloc’s economic potential through enhanced collaboration.
“Asean must bolster trade and regional cooperation, particularly in digitalisation, connectivity, and maritime security, to unlock the full potential of this region’s economy,” Anwar said in his address.
As a trade-dependent economy, Malaysia remains committed to charting new markets and deepening ties with major global players to ensure sustained growth and investment, the prime minister added.
The remarks come amid ongoing discussions at the summit, where leaders are grappling with geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and the push for tech-driven recovery in Southeast Asia. The event, attended by top executives from across the region, underscored the intersection of policy and commerce in shaping ASEAN’s post-pandemic trajectory.
Anwar’s participation highlights Malaysia’s role as the summit’s host nation this year, positioning it as a key advocate for inclusive economic integration.
