Cut Red Tape, Dismantle Non-Tariff Barriers To Unlock Full Potential Of Sub-Regional Groupings – Economists

By Nur Athirah Mohd Shaharuddin & Engku Shariful Azni Engku Ab Latif

KUALA LUMPUR, June 19 (Bernama) -- ASEAN needs to double down on streamlining regulations and cutting red tape, including harmonising customs procedures, to unlock the full potential of sub-regional groupings.

AEM Meeting In July To Fast-track ASEAN DEFA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 12 (Bernama) – Malaysia will convene a special ASEAN Economic Ministerial (AEM) meeting in Bangkok at the end of July to accelerate progress on the Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA).

Tengku Zafrul To Visit Washington June 18 For Tariff Talks

KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama) -- Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz will travel to Washington, United States (US), on June 18 to resume negotiations over tariffs imposed on Malaysian goods.

Malaysia’s GDP Growth Could Rebound To 4.6 Pct if US Tariffs Lifted - MIDF

KUALA LUMPUR, May 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s economic growth could rebound to the earlier projection of 4.6 per cent from 4.0 per cent for 2025 if the sweeping US tariffs were removed, according to MIDF Amanah Investment Bank Bhd.

AEC Strategic Plan To Enhance Region’s Digital Economy, Projected To Reach US$1 Trillion By 2030 - Economist

By Danni Haizal Danial Donald

KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- The impact of enhancing the digital economy via the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Strategic Plan 2026-2030 will be immense because the region’s digital economy is projected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030, an economist said.

Malaysia's Leadership Under PM Anwar Strengthens ASEAN Cooperation -- Nazir Razak

KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s leadership under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been a unique strength in bringing ASEAN leaders together to discuss and address regional issues collaboratively.

Malaysia Signs Deal To Initiate Trade Talks With GCC, Eyes Expansion Of Businesses -- Tengku Zafrul

By Vikneswaran Raman

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) — Malaysia has set its sights on expanding trade with the oil-rich Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries after signing a joint statement to initiate negotiations on a Malaysia-GCC Free Trade Agreement (MGFTA) today.

ASEAN Adopts Ambitious Economic Plan To Make Next Leap, Renews Quest For A Single Market

A Commentary By M.Saraswathi

KUALA LUMPUR, May 26 (Bernama) -- The leaders of Southeast Asia’s 10-member grouping have adopted an ambitious new economic strategy that envisions a developed ASEAN as the epicentre of growth in the larger Asia-Pacific region, elevating its stature to emerge as the world’s fourth-largest economy.

Upgraded ATIGA Would Further Boost Southeast Asia’s Intra Trade - Tengku Zafrul

By Karina Imran

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is hopeful the upgraded ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) will help to liberalise further the region’s financial services sector, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said.

Maritime Chain Crucial To ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Ties

By Harizah Hanim Mohamed

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) – A maritime value chain that facilitates shipping connectivity and secures sea lanes, along with the ability to counter disruptions, is vital for ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and China in their quest to consolidate tripartite economic cooperation and integration.

SAMENTA: ASEAN Must Address Trade Barriers To Aid MSMEs

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- ASEAN must take bold steps to address key trade challenges through enforceable agreements on reducing non-tariff barriers, expanding mutual recognition arrangements, and further operationalising the ASEAN Single Window for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

Two Or Fewer Fed Fund Rate Cuts In 2025, Ringgit To Stay 4.4-4.5 To US Dollar By December

KUALA LUMPUR, May 16 (Bernama) -- RHB Investment Bank Bhd (RHBIB) expects two or fewer United States (US) Federal Fund Rate (FFR) cuts in September and December this year against its previous base case for three.