Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Deputy Liew Chin Tong along with the head of delegations from ASEAN and Timor Leste during the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat in a hotel in Desaru, Johor today.

The 31st AEM Retreat Kicks Off In Desaru

By Norsyafawati Ab Wahab

KOTA TINGGI, Feb 28 (Bernama) -- The 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat began today in Desaru, with a focus on regional economic integration and strategies to navigate ongoing geopolitical challenges.

Chaired by Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the retreat is one of the key events under Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year.

Discussions will include the upgrading of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), and progress on Timor-Leste’s accession to the ASEAN bloc.

The AEM Retreat will also review the 18 Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs) and address concerns regarding US tariff policies.

The retreat, along with related meetings, is being held in Desaru from February 22 to 28.

-- BERNAMA