PM NAJIB TELLS ASIA TO STAND UNITED TO FACE ADVERSITY

TOKYO, May 26 (Bernama) – Prime Minister Najib Razak has appealed to Asia’s diverse nations to hasten regional integration, so that they can stand united not only to climb the development ladder, but overcome adversity in a world where natural disasters do not discriminate between friends or foes.

Citing the suffering the Japanese people are undergoing after the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and consequent nuclear fallout which killed more than 15,000 and affected hundreds of thousands, he cautioned regional countries against disunity which will make it difficult, if not impossible, for Asia to face down challenges.

"Think with one mind and act as one common enterprise," he said in his keynote address themed,"Overcoming Asia’s Challenge and Rising Above Adversity Through Regional Integration", at the prestigious 17th Nikkei International Conference on the Future of Asia here Thursday.

The conference is organised by the international media group, Nikkei Inc. Of Japan.

"So, whether at a regional or at a national level, and in spite of all our differences and the unique issues we face, we must do more to foster a sense of common purpose and be part of a larger community, that is, the East Asia community," Najib told a captive audience comprising political leaders, economists and captains of industry at the Imperial Hotel in downtown Tokyo.

Also present at the function was his wife, Rosmah Mansor, Malaysian
Ambassador to Japan Shaharuddin Md. Som, Ryoki Sugita, the chairman of Nikkei Inc and Tsuneo Kita, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Nikkei Inc.

Najib said while physical infrastructure, industrial capacity and technology were necessary, what Asia needed most was dynamic and resilient human capital, which it should nurture to develop the very best of human talent.

He spoke highly about how the work ethics and perseverance of the people of Japan would help the country recover from the current crisis and which was why Malaysia had emulated its working culture via the Look East Policy in the early days.

Central to this process was Asia doing more to overcome poverty, equipping and empowering people through quality education, so that they can prosper through an entrepreneurial spirit while providing opportunities to make fulfilling and rewarding careers for themselves.

The Prime Minister noted that if Asean, as part of Asia, pulls in the same direction, then it will emerge as an even stronger player in the world economy.

"If we continue to adapt and grow, the prize is great, with the total gross domestic product in Asia set to reach US$148 trillion in 2050," he said, emphasising the need for regional institutions to enhance their roles.

On its part, Malaysia would host the Asean-Japan Chambers of Commerce and Industry meeting to foster a deeper and sustained regional integration.

Najib said constant cooperation and, even more importantly, communication with each other will be hugely important if Asia is to move beyond simple economic integration and towards a regional community.

"Now is the time to explore new ways for us to work together," he added.

He stressed the importance of Asian countries viewing each other as partners in today’s highly interconnected and integrated world rather than allies or enemies as in the past.

He also said: "If we are to meet the challenges we face and rise above adversity, we have no choice but do so in a climate of openness and integration, a unison movement in moderation rather than protectionism and isolation.

"Productive economic partnerships are being established at a rapid rate, and I am determined to see this continue."

While Malaysia was fully committed to the achievement of a viable and substantial Asean Economic Community by 2015, he said it is also, well-placed to act as a bridge to countries both in the region and outside of it.

Furthermore, based on Malaysia's strategic geographical location and strong connectivity networks with Asean, Najib said it is the ideal nation to facilitate business activities across the region.
-- BERNAMA