MITI: Malaysia Reaffirms Commitment To Rules-based Trade, Inclusive Growth At APEC MRT 2026

KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has reaffirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, predictable and rules-based global trading system anchored on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting in China, the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) said.

In a statement today, MITI said Malaysia stressed that regional and mega trade agreements should complement and reinforce the WTO framework, while underscoring the need to strengthen cooperation in energy security and build more resilient supply chains amid persistent global disruptions.

The ministry said Malaysia also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the benefits of digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and the green transition remain practical, inclusive and accessible, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises.

This would be supported through greater interoperability, capacity building and simplified implementation.

Leading the Malaysian delegation in Suzhou from May 22 to 23, Malaysia's Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Johari Abdul Ghani said Malaysia remains committed to working closely with APEC economies to ensure regional economic integration, digital transformation, sustainability initiatives, energy security and supply chain cooperation deliver practical, business-oriented outcomes for the Asia-Pacific region.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Johari held bilateral discussions with counterparts from China, the United States, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Japan and Singapore to strengthen strategic economic partnerships.

Both sides exchanged views on global economic developments, including cooperation through platforms such as APEC and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

The discussions focused on strengthening trade and investment ties, enhancing collaboration in strategic sectors including energy security and resilient supply chains, and reinforcing investor confidence and regional economic resilience.

Johari also engaged with the US-APEC Business Coalition and several companies with investments and operations in Malaysia, exchanging views on trade and investment trends, including supply chain resilience, digitalisation and investment facilitation.

MITI said Malaysia remains committed to strengthening regional economic cooperation and ensuring the Asia-Pacific remains open, resilient and conducive to sustainable trade and investment growth.
-- BERNAMA