Anwar Proposes Enhanced US Economic Ties With Focus On Trade, Investment
JAKARTA, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today proposed further cooperation with the United States, focusing on deeper economic collaboration through the trade and investment framework agreement and broadened economic engagement.
He emphasised the importance of supporting foreign direct investment, internationalising micro, small and medium enterprises, promoting green growth for climate sustainability, and ensuring efficient resource use and food security.
The prime minister's proposals were put forth in his intervention during the 11th ASEAN-US Summit here, attended by US Vice President Kamala Harris and led by Indonesian President Joko Widodo.
In the realm of digitalisation, he encouraged the US to collaborate with ASEAN to advance digital transformation in the region, encompassing digital infrastructure connectivity, inclusion, 5G, as well as digital data policy and regulation.
On energy, Anwar said ASEAN has set a goal to generate 23 per cent of primary energy from renewables by 2025 and seeks support from the US to achieve this target.
Malaysia also welcomed the US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, particularly the summit leader’s statement on advancing the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific during this summit.
“This is exceptionally critical for countries committed to democratic principles and accountability in the region,” he said.
During the ASEAN-Canada Summit attended by Justin Trudeau, Anwar said that “Canada has been a highly dependable ally”, stating that Trudeau is well aware of ASEAN’s stance, along with that of his Western colleagues.
“Therefore we look forward to further collaboration in the fields, including the ASEAN-Canada Free Trade Agreement and issues of climate change,” he added.
Meanwhile, Anwar said Malaysia and Canada will continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation including in the new fields of green economy, science and technology and artificial intelligence through Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy.
He said the agreement was reached at a bilateral meeting Trudeau, held on the sideline of the 43rd ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Jakarta, Indonesia today.
In a Facebook post tonight, Anwar said cooperation in the fields of trade and investment, defence, education and people-to-people relations will also continue to be strengthened between the two countries.
“An agreement was also reached in enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between Malaysia and Canada to a higher level,” he said.
Malaysia and Canada have enhanced bilateral cooperation since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1957, with bilateral trade reaching RM10.58 billion in 2021, in addition to Canadian investment in the Malaysian manufacturing sector in the last 40 years at RM789 million.
Anwar is leading the Malaysian delegation at the 43rd ASEAN Summit from Sept 5 to 7, which is also his first summit with the seven ASEAN Dialogue Partners, namely Australia, China, Japan, India, South Korea, the United States and Canada.
-- BERNAMA
