Malaysia: Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, predictable, and rules-based global trading system anchored on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in China, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, in a statement today, MITI emphasized that regional and mega trade agreements should complement and reinforce the WTO framework. The ministry also underscored the need to strengthen cooperation in energy security and build more resilient supply chains amid persistent global disruptions.

The ministry further highlighted the importance of ensuring that the benefits of digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, and the green transition remain practical, inclusive, and accessible, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises. This would be supported through greater interoperability, capacity building, and simplified implementation.

Leading the Malaysian delegation in Suzhou from May 22 to 23, Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani stated that Malaysia remains committed to working closely with APEC economies. The goal is to ensure regional economic integration, digital transformation, sustainability initiatives, energy security, and supply chain cooperation deliver practical, business-oriented outcomes for the Asia-Pacific region.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Johari held bilateral discussions with counterparts from China, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore to strengthen strategic economic partnerships. Both sides exchanged views on global economic developments, including cooperation through platforms such as APEC and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The discussions focused on strengthening trade and investment ties, enhancing collaboration in strategic sectors including energy security and resilient supply chains, and reinforcing investor confidence and regional economic resilience. Johari also engaged with the US-APEC Business Coalition and several companies with investments and operations in Malaysia, exchanging views on trade and investment trends, including supply chain resilience, digitalisation, and investment facilitation.

MITI reiterated Malaysia's commitment to strengthening regional economic cooperation and ensuring the Asia-Pacific remains open, resilient, and conducive to sustainable trade and investment growth.