Kuala lumpur: The ASEAN Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Economy must work closely together to enhance regional trade and investment, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He emphasized the importance of inter-ministerial coordination to ensure decisions and agreements translate into integrated actions, thereby strengthening and aligning regional operations.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad announced that a joint forum involving ASEAN foreign, economic, and trade ministers will be held to discuss an action plan ahead of the 47th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit. “Before the summit of heads of state and government, the foreign ministers and ministers of economy and trade will convene in a single forum. It is intended for us to discuss and agree on an action plan to realise our aspirations of enhancing trade and investment among ASEAN countries,” he stated during a press briefing after the plenary session of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM).

The 57th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting (AEM) is scheduled from September 22-28, preceding the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, set for October 26-28. Mohamad highlighted concerns about trade and non-trade barriers, stressing the necessity of coordinated action within the ASEAN bloc. “If necessary, we must address these trade and non-trade barriers head-on. We need to be more efficient, as the world has changed dramatically. We cannot afford to wait for others. The best approach now is through collective ASEAN action,” he asserted.

ASEAN’s total trade saw a significant increase to US$3.8 trillion in 2024 from US$2.3 trillion in 2015, while intra-ASEAN trade rose to US$800 billion from US$500 billion in the same period. The 58th AMM and related meetings, which were held under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship from July 8 to 11, carried the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” The event featured 24 ministerial-level engagements involving ASEAN Dialogue Partners and Sectoral Dialogue Partners.

The four-day high-level event brought together approximately 1,500 participants, including ASEAN foreign ministers, representatives from Timor-Leste, ASEAN Dialogue Partners, ASEAN Regional Forum participants, Sectoral Dialogue Partners, and senior officials from the ASEAN Secretariat.