Jakarta: ASEAN member countries need to create a conducive investment ecosystem, including providing equal treatment to support investments by companies from fellow member countries and ensuring a more integrated regional supply chain. Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chairman Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said this was among the matters discussed during his meeting with Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, on the sidelines of the Indonesia Economic Summit (IES) 2026 here.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul emphasized that the approach would not only strengthen ASEAN's supply chain integration but also encourage more investment and business opportunities in the region. He mentioned that Malaysian companies investing in Indonesia should receive equal access and treatment, particularly in customs and trade facilitation, to support the regional supply chain.

Aside from policy discussions, Tengku Zafrul noted that his meeting with Airlangga Hartarto provided an opportunity to share new ideas and exchange views on how ASEAN can pursue progress collectively. He highlighted that ASEAN holds great potential, but this potential requires proper implementation to translate into tangible results.

Tengku Zafrul also remarked on the importance of consistent action over mere summits or joint statements, especially in a volatile global environment. He asserted that ASEAN's strength lies in delivering strong and sustainable growth for the region. On Tuesday, he participated as a panellist at an IES discussion session titled 'The Trends Shaping ASEAN Economic Evolution and its Global Positioning'.