Kuala lumpur: The visit of United States President Donald Trump to the 47th ASEAN Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre is sending a strong signal to investors about the US’s commitment to its relationship with ASEAN.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Deputy Secretary-General (Trade), Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, highlighted that Trump’s presence offers an opportunity for ASEAN member countries, under Malaysia’s chairmanship, to emphasize the region’s integral role in the global supply chain. She clarified that ASEAN-manufactured products are designed to complement, not compete with, the US within this chain.
‘Therefore, when he comes here and meets in person, it makes it easier for ASEAN nations to convince the US that ASEAN is a stable and vital region within the overall global supply chain,’ Mastura said during Bernama TV’s talk show Ruang Bicara, titled ‘Trump in KL: Between Principles, Influence and Prospects’, on Friday.
Trump is set to arrive in Malaysia tomorrow to partake in the summit, which runs from October 26 to 28. Mastura, also Malaysia’s chief negotiator for US tariff discussions, emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to ASEAN’s neutral stance as the current chair, advocating for cooperation with all nations willing to contribute to the region’s economic development.
Professor Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani, International Political Analyst and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and International) at Universiti Utara Malaysia, noted that Trump’s visit aims to counterbalance China’s growing influence in Southeast Asia’s trade and economic sectors. He mentioned that Trump’s agenda is primarily focused on strengthening US-ASEAN trade relations and exploring tariff renegotiations, alongside addressing security issues such as the South China Sea and conflicts involving Myanmar, Cambodia, and Thailand.
The summit will host over 30 heads of state and government, including leaders from ASEAN member countries and key dialogue partners like the US, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. This year marks Malaysia’s fifth time chairing ASEAN since 1967, with the event expected to be one of the largest gatherings in the bloc’s history. It aims to address regional and global challenges through deeper cooperation under the theme ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’.