KUALA LUMPUR – Asean must strengthen its supply chain ecosystem to withstand mounting geostrategic challenges, including the ripple effects of Donald Trump’s tariffs and retaliatory measures from affected nations, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
“While some argue that Asean could benefit from the recalibration of global supply chains, he cautioned that the reality is far more complex. The key question remains: can Asean truly capitalise on these shifts, or will it be caught in the crossfire of great power rivalry?”
Speaking at the Asean Future Forum 2025 in Hanoi, Anwar emphasised that trade and investment gains must be shared fairly among member states to avoid deepening economic disparities, Bernama reported.
“The economic developmental gap across our region is stark, with some Asean members having a GDP per capita more than 34 times that of others. We must collectively address this challenge and commit to ensuring that no nation within Asean is left behind in the pursuit of economic growth.”
He also underscored that Asean centrality is a privilege that must be continuously earned and sustained amidst shifting geopolitical dynamics and diverse national interests.
“We often hear calls to strengthen Asean’s centrality, but we must remember that it is not a right – it has to be earned and re-earned in the context of changing contingencies,” he said. He warned that Asean’s centrality holds little significance if internal differences and priorities divide the bloc.
Despite these challenges, Anwar expressed confidence in Asean’s potential.
“We are very fortunate to be in one of the most peaceful and fastest-growing regions in the world. In this era of rivalry and division, Asean must shine as a beacon of hope, fostering a sustainable, harmonious, and economically dynamic region.”
He highlighted Malaysia’s approach, which prioritises sustainability and equitable economic development as the main pillars of shared cooperation.
He called for Asean to adopt a new model of trade integration aligned with global trends in environmental sustainability while ensuring economic inclusivity.
“Asean’s strength lies in its ability to unify, engage in dialogue, and act as a cohesive economic bloc, leveraging its collective potential to navigate future uncertainties,” he said.
Malaysia will serve as the Asean chair for 2025. – February 26, 2025