LIMA: In an era defined by rapid global disruptions from economic shocks to climate challenges, there is a need for a fundamental shift in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on how it approaches economic cooperation that allows all economies, regardless of size, to thrive. ‘APEC must become the gold standard for global economic cooperation, leading not from behind the scenes but at the forefront,’ Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said here on Friday.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister emphasized that the world is no longer merely interconnected; it is interdependent on a level that demands countries to rethink what it means to cooperate, collaborate, and coexist. ‘In APEC, we have a rare opportunity to lead not only with ideas but with bold actions that build economic strength from the ground up,’ he said during his intervention at the APEC Leaders’ Informal Dialogue with Guests on the penultimate day of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Week (AELW).
Anwar highlighted that APEC’s
current mission is to transform this interdependence into its greatest strength. He noted that global disruptions are no longer a temporary state but the new normal, urging APEC economies to shift from reactive measures to proactive and resilient economic cooperation. He stressed the need for economic frameworks that are not only shock-resistant but shock-responsive.
He envisioned a trade and investment environment where every APEC economy, irrespective of its size or development stage, could absorb shocks and thrive. This vision, he said, begins with deeper digital integration, robust green finance, and an unwavering commitment to fair and transparent supply chains. These efforts, he added, will empower each member to weather disruptions and pursue a growth model that supports all economies.
Furthermore, Anwar called for a broader perspective on economic development and progress, one that transcends materialistic paradigms. He highlighted the importance of addressing the plight of the poor and marginalized
, as well as victims of violence, aggression, and persecution. ‘The world is watching, and we cannot afford to hesitate,’ he warned.
By ensuring global governance, building resilience, and protecting the vulnerable and oppressed, APEC can offer the world a path forward that is not only prosperous but also sustainable and just, Anwar stated. He called for bold actions, asserting that the world needs APEC to be ready and decisive.
APEC is an intergovernmental forum for 21 member economies in the Pacific Rim, promoting free trade across the Asia-Pacific region. Malaysia is one of its 12 founding members. APEC represents nearly 40 per cent of the world’s population, almost half of global trade, and over 60 per cent of the global economy.