Paris: Malaysia, as the chair of ASEAN for this year, has voiced its support for initiatives aimed at strengthening open markets and maintaining a rules-based multilateral trading system, which are seen as essential for sustainable and inclusive global economic growth. Ambassador Syahril Syazli Ghazali, Malaysia’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), emphasized this during his participation at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial Council Meeting held from June 3 to 4.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the theme of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship, ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability,’ underscores the nation’s commitment to promoting equitable, sustainable, and inclusive trade practices. Ambassador Syahril stated that the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force (AGTF) has been established to tackle global economic challenges by monitoring and recommending policy measures to fortify ASEAN as a unified market.

Malaysia is at the forefront of several initiatives aimed at building a digitally robust ASEAN. A key part of this effort is leading the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) negotiations, which are expected to reach a substantial conclusion by the end of the year. DEFA is pivotal in ensuring the ‘inclusivity’ of ASEAN, thereby guaranteeing that the region benefits from digital trade.

Ambassador Syahril also highlighted Malaysia’s efforts in empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and women by fostering digital skills through national programs such as EmpowerHER Digital and the Women Exporters Development Programme. These initiatives aim to integrate more women-led businesses into the international market.

Furthermore, the establishment of ASEAN’s first Women’s Economic Empowerment Centre in Kuala Lumpur, announced last month, is set to enhance women’s roles in economic development and promote inclusive growth across the region.