Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced Malaysia’s intention to reinforce ASEAN’s central role in guiding the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during the 5th RCEP Leaders’ Meeting next week. Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, emphasized that RCEP represents more than just an economic arrangement; it signifies a strategic affirmation that open regionalism is essential for shared prosperity.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar highlighted the importance of RCEP in serving not only large multinational corporations but also in delivering tangible benefits to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), workers, and communities. He made these remarks during the closing of the DHL GoTrade Summit 2025.
The 5th RCEP Leaders’ Meeting is slated for October 27 and will occur alongside the 47th ASEAN Summit, which is scheduled from October 26 to 28. Anwar underscored that the success of RCEP hinges on translating commitments into opportunities. This involves addressing non-tariff barriers, enhancing trade facilitation, and ensuring the integration of the digital economy, green transition, and services sectors into the framework.
Anwar further expressed that it is timely for ASEAN and the global community to focus on RCEP, the world’s largest trade agreement, which encompasses nearly one-third of global GDP and trade. The RCEP member countries include the 10 ASEAN nations and their free trade agreement partners-China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Prime Minister pointed out that the ASEAN region has become a vital link in the global supply chain, a manufacturing hub, and a vibrant market of 680 million people. Within five years, ASEAN is expected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, and it must continue to uphold the principles of openness and unity amid global uncertainties.
Anwar stated that ASEAN’s growth is a result of collective resolve to support free and fair trade while leveraging comparative advantages. Malaysia aspires to strengthen its role as a trusted investment hub, ensuring that local enterprises and start-ups are not overlooked.