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ASEAN must strengthen its regional supply chains to effectively tackle emerging geostrategic challenges, such as the newly imposed tariffs by the United States and retaliatory measures by affected countries, said Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the ASEAN Future Forum 2025 in Hanoi, Vietnam, on Wednesday, Anwar stressed although some may believe that ASEAN stands to benefit from the reshaping of global supply chains and the search for diversification, the reality is much more complex.
"While some might think ASEAN can reap the rewards of the global supply chain realignment and diversification, the reality is far more complicated," Anwar said.
"The fundamental question remains: can ASEAN truly capitalize on this shift, or will we find ourselves caught in the rivalry between major powers?"
In his keynote address, Anwar stressed the importance of ensuring that any gains from investments and trade are distributed fairly among ASEAN member states, warning that failure to do so could further exacerbate existing inequalities.
"In any scenario, we must ensure that the benefits from investments and trade are equitably distributed among member states and do not worsen the existing gaps," he added.
Anwar described the current global climate as one characterized by intense competition and differences, which requires ASEAN to adopt a new trade integration model aligned with the global trend toward environmental sustainability.
"The economic development gaps within our region are stark— for instance, the GDP per capita of some ASEAN nations is more than 34 times higher than that of others. This presents a challenge we must address collectively," he pointed out.
He reiterated the need for ASEAN to remain committed to ensuring that no country within the bloc is left behind in the pursuit of economic growth. "We must be committed to ensuring that no ASEAN country is left behind in the effort to achieve economic growth," Anwar emphasised. – February 26, 2025
