Kuala lumpur: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) has called on ASEAN to intensify efforts to strengthen intra-ASEAN trade and production linkages. FMM President Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai stated that there is a need to advance mutual recognition of standards, harmonise digital customs platforms, and enhance regulatory coherence across member countries.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Soh pointed out that intra-ASEAN trade currently accounted for only 22 percent of total ASEAN trade, compared to around 60 percent in the European Union. He emphasized that closing this gap will be essential to unlocking ASEAN’s full economic potential and building long-term supply chain resilience.

Soh mentioned that the FMM remains committed to working with the government and regional stakeholders to advance these objectives and ensure ASEAN becomes a more integrated, stable, and competitive economic region.

Meanwhile, the FMM praised the successful mediation efforts led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in easing tensions between Thailand and Cambodia. Soh noted that the strong intervention by the prime minister underscores Malaysia’s growing role in shaping a more cohesive and stable ASEAN. He highlighted that this diplomatic breakthrough not only averted the escalation of a regional conflict but reaffirmed ASEAN’s capacity to act collectively in resolving complex geopolitical issues through dialogue and pragmatic leadership.