Regional Cooperation: Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ipushes for Transformation of ASEAN-GCC-China Vision into Reality
KUALA LUMPUR - Political leaders from Malaysia, ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and China have paved the way for increased economic cooperation, with Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim urging business leaders to capitalize on this opportunity.
At the ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Forum 2025, Anwar emphasized the importance of seizing the opening created by political alignment and bold economic strategies. He noted that the leaders have assured industry players of stability and provided attractive policies and clarity that fosters technological advancement and investment.
"We have done our part," said Anwar, emphasizing that the ball is now in the business community's court to translate commitments into tangible results. The Prime Minister's comments occurred at the gala dinner and opening ceremony of the event.
Having resolved even contentious issues through consensus, Anwar highlighted the ASEAN nations' resolve to form a cohesive, strong, and self-reliant economic bloc. Collaboration with the GCC and China, he noted, is a strategic move aimed at enhancing economic resilience and regional stability.
The Prime Minister also praised the GCC's embrace of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, referring to it as a catalyst for transformation in the Middle East. Meanwhile, China remains a vital partner due to its proximity, commitment to regional peace, and capacity for technological and economic advancement.
Regarding the meeting's outcomes, Anwar expressed pride in the joint statement on good governance, economic clarity, and the protection of citizens' rights. He described this as a testament to collaboration's potential.
In his speech, Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for deeper cooperation between ASEAN, China, and the GCC, citing shared opportunities in the face of rising global uncertainties. He emphasized the need for bold steps towards strengthening ties and meeting common challenges and opportunities.
Li highlighted the importance of economic globalization in current times, stating that peaceful development and win-win cooperation have been severely challenged. He stressed that emphasizing mutual trust and unity will help overcome geopolitical conflicts and other challenges.
Li also pointed out that while ASEAN, the GCC, and China account for a significant portion of the global population and economy, their combined trade only represents 5.4%. He sees this as a significant opportunity for further cooperation, predicting that deepening relationships would lead to increased trade and investment and drive economic development among the three regions.
Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim (right) walks with China's Premier Li Qiang ahead of the ASEAN - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)- China Summit after the 46th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday. - AFP/VNA Photo
- Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's Prime Minister, encourages business leaders to leverage the political alignment and bold economic strategies, presented as an opportunity for increased economic cooperation among Malaysia, ASEAN, the GCC, and China.
- At the ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Forum 2025, Anwar emphasized that the leaders have provided attractive policies and clarity to encourage technological advancement and investment.
- After resolving contentious issues through consensus, Anwar highlighted the ASEAN nations' determination to form a cohesive, strong, and self-reliant economic bloc in collaboration with the GCC and China for enhanced economic resilience and regional stability.
- The Prime Minister praised the GCC's adoption of digitalization, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy, referring to it as a transformative catalyst in the Middle East.
- Chinese Premier Li Qiang also called for deeper cooperation between ASEAN, China, and the GCC, citing shared opportunities amid rising global uncertainties and emphasizing the need for bold steps towards strengthening ties and addressing common challenges.
- Premier Li stressed the importance of economic globalization and underlined that peaceful development and win-win cooperation have been severely challenged. He urged emphasizing mutual trust and unity to overcome geopolitical conflicts and other challenges.
- Li also sees the combined trade between ASEAN, the GCC, and China, currently at 5.4%, as a significant opportunity for further cooperation, predicting that deepening relationships would lead to increased trade, investment, and economic development among the three regions.
