KUALA LUMPUR, 25 OCTOBER 2025: The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) is committed to creating an enabling environment where businesses can invest, trade and thrive by working closely with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, the private sector and regional partners. Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the collaborations will boost market access, supply chain connectivity and sustainable industrial development.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the effort aligns with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship theme of ‘Inclusivity and Sustainability’, which reinforces ASEAN’s position as a trusted nexus for trade and investment. ‘This year’s flagship initiatives, including advancing the ASEAN Power Grid and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) and upgrading trade agreements with China (ACFTA 3.0), India (AITIGA) and among ASEAN states, are meant to achieve all those objectives and more,’ said Tengku Zafrul.

He further emphasized that the launching of the ASEAN micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) Green Transition Centre underscores Malaysia’s firm commitment that no enterprise, regardless of size, should be left behind, as the prosperity of MSMEs translates to the prosperity of ASEAN. Tengku Zafrul shared these insights during his opening remarks at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2025.

Tengku Zafrul highlighted that ABIS 2025 convenes at a pivotal moment for ASEAN. He noted that the global economic terrain is in flux, shaped by shifting supply chains, recalibrated trade alliances, and the relentless momentum of digital transformation. Despite the uncertainty, ASEAN is positioned not on the sidelines but at the forefront as a beacon of resilience, stability, and shared opportunity.