Kuala lumpur: The Asia-Pacific can only thrive through openness, integration, and resilience, with protectionism and isolation threatening to weaken the region’s role as the ‘heartbeat of global prosperity’, said Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) Malaysia chairman Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah. He noted that while the Asia-Pacific remains ‘the most dynamic growth engine’, it faces ‘significant headwinds’ due to protectionist measures.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Datuk Prof Dr Mohd Faiz Abdullah emphasized that protectionist measures such as tariffs and export bans have become prominent features of the current trade landscape. These challenges are described as structural shifts that test the cohesion and resilience of the region. He shared these insights during the ‘More Openness and Better Connectivity the Future of Asia Pacific Integration’ session at the Kuala Lumpur Roundtable on Asia-Pacific Regional Cooperation of the Boao Forum for Asia.

The session was chaired by Boao Forum for Asia Secretary-General Zhang Jun. Mohd Faiz elaborated on the necessity of openness, integration, and connectivity for prosperity in the Asia-Pacific. He highlighted the importance of defending multilateralism and modernizing trade by reforming the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and strengthening regional agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

Mohd Faiz stated that reforming the WTO is crucial for regaining its credibility as an impartial empire of global trade. He stressed that regional agreements must evolve to include digital trade, data governance, and climate alliance standards. Furthermore, he described connectivity as ‘the lifeline of integration,’ emphasizing the importance of both physical networks like ports and transport systems and digital highways that ensure secure data flows.

He urged Asia-Pacific nations to commit to building a shared future, insisting that openness, connectivity, and resilience are fundamental to Asia-Pacific integration. Strengthening these elements, he concluded, is essential for ensuring that the region continues to be the heartbeat of global prosperity.