Kuala lumpur: The spotlight of the third day of the 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers’ (AEM) Meeting will be the consultation between ASEAN ministers and the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Jamieson Greer. This meeting aims to strengthen trade and investment ties between Southeast Asia and Washington in a challenging global economic environment.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the AEM-USTR engagement is expected to focus on advancing regional economic integration, enhancing supply chain resilience, and exploring new avenues of cooperation in emerging sectors such as digital trade and the green economy. It forms part of the wider consultations with major dialogue partners and international organisations on the day-three agenda of the gathering.
The official programme indicates that the day will begin with the AEM-World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Consultation, followed by the 22nd AEM-Republic of Korea (ROK) Consultation and the 24th AEM-Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) of China Consultation. South Korea Trade Minister Yeo Han-Koo, Vice Minister of Commerce (MOFCOM) Yan Dong, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau, and Director General of WIPO Daren Tang are also expected to share their insights during the meeting.
Discussions will continue over a working lunch during the 28th AEM-Plus Three Consultation, before resuming with the AEM-USTR Consultation and the 31st AEM-Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan Consultation, led by its Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Muto Yoji. These meetings are expected to underscore ASEAN’s collective effort to address emerging trade and investment challenges while reinforcing the region’s position as a key player in the global economic landscape.
The day’s programme will conclude with a gala dinner to be attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in his capacity as ASEAN chairman, highlighting the importance of building stronger personal and institutional ties alongside formal negotiations. Held under Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN chairmanship, the 57th AEM and Related Meetings have drawn more than 500 delegates from the 10 ASEAN member states and key dialogue partners.
With the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, the week-long series comprises 20 meetings and side programmes from Sept 22 to 26 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). This marks the fifth time Malaysia has assumed the ASEAN chairmanship since joining the regional bloc, following its previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015.