Asean must build resilient supply chains to navigate geostrategic shifts, says Anwar

The Star

Asean must strengthen its supply chain ecosystem to withstand emerging geostrategic challenges, including the recent tariffs imposed by the United States and retaliatory counter-tariffs, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.  Delivering his keynote address at the Asean Future Forum 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Wednesday (Feb 26), Anwar emphasised that the 10-member bloc must embrace a new trade integration model that aligns with global trends, particularly in environmental sustainability.  Read more at https://tinyurl.com/phk6c8az  WATCH MORE: https://thestartv.com/c/news SUBSCRIBE: https://cutt.ly/TheStar LIKE: https://fb.com/TheStarOnline

Transcript

00:00Ladies and gentlemen, please rise to welcome the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

00:09While raising the regional floor on economic development is vital,

00:14we must also strive to elevate the developmental ceiling of our region.

00:21Building a robust and resilient supply chain ecosystem within the region

00:27is imperative to withstand looming geostrategic challenges.

00:34Markets in developed nations are increasingly prioritizing sustainability

00:40and ASEAN must adapt to such trends to maintain its relevance in global trade.

00:48Malaysia, guided by the Malaysia Madani Framework, stands ready to work together for change,

00:57for renewed efforts in green investments ranging from regenerative agriculture,

01:03solar energy, electric vehicles, and green infrastructure.

01:09Now ladies and gentlemen, as we advance ASEAN's agenda in this new age of uncertainty,

01:18we must also be vigilant to possible rising geopolitical risks that could impact ASEAN's strategy.

01:27Now the ongoing trade tensions with the United States and China,

01:32including the recent tariffs imposed by Washington

01:36and its counter-tariffs by those on the receiving end, present both as opportunities and challenges.

01:44But as a region, learning from your experience in Vietnam, we will engage.

01:53Like the huge trade with Vietnam with the United States,

01:58Malaysia still has the largest investments from the United States.

02:04China is a very important neighbor, ally in the region.

02:12So we have to navigate.

02:14We in ASEAN have agreed that in late May we'll have ASEAN,

02:20GAF Council, GCC, plus China.

02:25But prior to that, the foreign ministers have agreed

02:30that ASEAN should immediately engage with the United States

02:35and calling for an ASEAN-United States summit.

02:40So we take a very pragmatic view to engage and trade and treat countries,

02:50major big countries, the superpowers and the smaller countries,

02:56as our partners in this endeavor.

03:03Because we realize that over-independence in any one market or industry

03:10would leave us vulnerable to external attacks.

03:16Now given the present and future realities that we face,

03:20we have adopted the theme for ASEAN,

03:25inclusivity and sustainability,

03:30with a deliberate view towards a future-oriented network.

03:36It is a theme that finds great resonance with this conference

03:41and reflects a pivotal moment in history for both ASEAN and the world at large,

03:48a moment marked by profound uncertainty and rapid change.

03:55It is also deeply significant as ASEAN forges ahead

03:59into an era where solidarity and collaboration are paramount

04:04in addressing shared challenges and harnessing emerging opportunities.

04:11For more UN videos visit www.un.org

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