00:00As an outward-looking organization in a multipolar world, ASEAN must continue to punch
00:06above its weight by broadening its global partnerships. Deepening ties and strategic
00:14links with diverse partners is not a choice. It is a strategic imperative. But we should
00:23engage as equals. And above all, you must be the speakers and not the spoken for.
00:31So, Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, in facing today's global economic
00:39headwinds, it is imperative that we focus our energies inward towards building a more integrated
00:46and resilient ASEAN economy. Our region is home to a vast and vibrant market of 670 million
00:55people. The potential is undeniable. But to realize it fully, we must narrow the existing
01:04development gaps and forge stronger, more equitable economic linkages across member states. At
01:14the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, we will once again demonstrate our collective commitment
01:25towards improving the unimpeded flow of goods within our region. And this will be late October.
01:35So, good luck to you. Because if you succeed, we say thank the chairman. If he fails, blame
01:42the secretariat. Oh, I'm joking. You will have sleepless nights after this. Now, through renewed
01:54efforts to reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, we are taking meaningful steps towards creating
02:00a more seamless and dynamic ASEAN economic community that works for all, not just for some. So, in my
02:11discussions with President Prabowo, for example, we emphasize on ASEAN's extensive network of free
02:21free trade agreements has long served and has to be further expanded because it has, the trade
02:30agreements is pivotal because it was a cornerstone of our economic resilience. But in an error marked
02:40by protectionism and shifting supply chains, we cannot afford to become complacent. We must remain
02:49committed to openness and reform, even as we adapt to a more complex geoeconomic landscape. It is only
02:59through sustained liberalization and cooperation that we can safeguard jobs, preserve growth and
03:08consolidate our position in the global economy. The RCEP, RCEP, the Regional Comprehensive Economic
03:16Partnership, is central to this vision. As the world's largest trade agreement, it reinforces ASEAN's role as the
03:26linchpin of regional economic architecture. We expect the fifth RCEP leaders' meeting to also take place at the
03:33sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit, thus presenting an opportunity for us to ensure that RCEP delivers tangible
03:43benefits for businesses, workers and communities. Now, as we look to strengthen ASEAN's position in an increasingly
03:53competitive global economy, we must also do more to ensure that businesses can operate with confidence
04:00and clarity across our borders. And this is, of course, emphasising every single bilateral and ASEAN meetings.
04:08We can't be talking about expanding trade and we don't enhance inter-ASEAN trade. We can't talk about flow, free flow,
04:16and being attractive to foreign direct investments when you disallow a curve or do not necessarily encourage increasing
04:27investments within ASEAN. So, that has been the priority and I think it is pushing this ahead because the potential
04:36for trade and investment in within ASEAN itself is huge. And as we have seen during the success of the ASEAN GCC
04:48China Summit, it is a clear signal that ASEAN is ready to build new bridges and unlock new partnership. It also reaffirms our
05:01shared determination to shape a future based on mutual respect, shared growth and strategic cooperation.
05:12Now, digital economy will be a key driver of ASEAN's next phase of growth. That is why we are advancing efforts to
05:20to conclude the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement while modernising our existing trade agreements with
05:29strategic partners, including China, India and the Republic of Korea. These efforts reflect ASEAN's readiness
05:36to embrace change and position ourselves at the forefront of digital transformation.
05:50To do this one, the second, we have a acute care of a bigger conversation as a result of their
05:58business no longer this through. We have a single-capacity, the common-capacity,
06:02the main-capacity, the main-capacity, the main-capacity process,
06:06the main-capacity, the main-capacity of the main-capacity that we need to do
06:10and to join a strategic standpoint. We can continue three-capacity in keeping track of the
Comments