Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia could drive ASEAN-China synergies to achieve the Asian Century, stated Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He emphasized that ASEAN and Malaysia are poised for significant progress, with the nation eager to enhance connectivity with Hong Kong, Greater China, and North Asia.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul highlighted ASEAN’s vast market of almost 700 million people, with Hong Kong serving as a critical gateway to China and a global financial hub. During his closing remarks at the China Conference: Southeast Asia 2025, he expressed optimism about shaping the Asian Century through collaborative efforts.
Tengku Zafrul proposed that while Hong Kong could act as ASEAN’s access point to China, Malaysia could similarly serve as China’s bridge to ASEAN and the global market. He identified several sectors ripe for collaboration, including fintech, halal and shariah-compliant finance, semiconductors, electric vehicles, renewable energy, tourism, and supply chain integrity. He also urged support for women and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), encouraging connections with Hong Kong counterparts.
Additionally, Tengku Zafrul expressed Malaysia’s commitment to realizing ASEAN Centrality this year, making it indispensable to member states and partners like Hong Kong. ASEAN Centrality, he argued, benefits all parties involved.
He acknowledged the challenges and opportunities within ASEAN, emphasizing Malaysia’s dedication to addressing these via the Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) in 2025 and the ASEAN Community Vision 2045. Despite debates over ASEAN’s pace, Tengku Zafrul asserted its global significance.
He stressed the importance of maintaining ASEAN’s central role in regional security and economic architecture, regardless of international tensions, such as the US-China rivalry. He cautioned against letting external conflicts impede ASEAN’s community-building efforts.
Tengku Zafrul also addressed concerns over BRICS membership, suggesting it represents a natural evolution for nations rather than a commitment to any specific geopolitical stance. He predicted that 2025 would be pivotal for ASEAN, with the PEDs and ASEAN Community Vision 2045 potentially transforming the region.
He concluded by affirming Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to make ASEAN relevant to contemporary challenges, including updates to the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and the ASEAN Power Grid (APG).