Desaru: The upcoming 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat, scheduled for February 28 in Desaru, Johor, will address critical issues related to ASEAN’s economic integration with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz highlighted the agenda, which includes discussions on current geopolitical challenges impacting regional economic growth and strategies to mitigate these effects. The retreat will also examine Malaysia’s priority economic deliverables as the ASEAN chairman, concentrating on four strategic areas: enhancing trade and investment, fostering an inclusive and sustainable economic pathway, promoting integration and connectivity, and building a digitally resilient ASEAN.

The retreat will further explore the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), the status of negotiations for the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), and the progress of Timor Leste’s accession to ASEAN from an economic perspective. Tengku Zafrul emphasized the potential for improved trade through DEFA and the ATIGA upgrade, while noting the need for a reassessment of the services industry due to ongoing protectionism.

Additionally, the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan for 2026-2030 will be a topic of discussion, serving as the economic component of the comprehensive ASEAN Community Vision 2045. The retreat will also consider Malaysia’s proposal to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).