Kuala lumpur: ASEAN must step forward together and speed up its integration to reduce trade friction among its members amid global trade uncertainties, said Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He emphasized that a united ASEAN, with aligned standards and a clear voice, will be more resilient and influential in the current challenging global trade environment.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul highlighted that the global operating landscape is less cooperative than before, underscoring the need for ASEAN to act collectively. He urged for expedited internal integration, reduction of trade friction, harmonization of standards, and the establishment of rules-based systems to connect markets and protect value chains.

Tengku Zafrul pointed out that corporate governance and sustainability efforts are crucial drivers of business sentiment and commercial confidence. Investors are increasingly considering governance issues, rule of law, climate disclosures, and labor standards alongside growth numbers when assessing ASEAN.

He stressed that ASEAN must lead collectively in managing risks, upholding ethics, and treating stakeholders with integrity and transparency. This approach, he noted, would promote long-term stability and confidence in the region’s institutions, enabling equitable prosperity.

Furthermore, Tengku Zafrul emphasized that governance and sustainability are no longer mere compliance exercises but strategic tools for trust, reputation, risk management, and capital raising. He concluded by asserting that governance should be central in positioning ASEAN as a viable and investable asset class, guiding the region to rebuild with greater purpose and unity amid global uncertainties.