Malaysia, Indonesia Stress Need To Boost Intra-ASEAN Trade At JCBC Meeting

JAKARTA, June 4 (Bernama) -- Intra-ASEAN trade, which has yet to reach 25 per cent, needs to be increased to strengthen regional economic resilience, especially as the world faces conflicts in West Asia and the Russia–Ukraine war.

Foreign Minister  Mohamad Hassan said this was among the matters discussed during the 17th Malaysia-Indonesia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) meeting with his Indonesian counterpart, Sugiono, held here on Thursday.

“The leaders of ASEAN countries want to see intra-ASEAN trade enhanced. We conduct a great deal of trade with countries outside ASEAN.

“Trade among ASEAN member states is less than 25 per cent. How can we increase trade and investment among ourselves within ASEAN?” he said at a joint press conference with his counterpart after the meeting.

 Mohamad said ASEAN should learn from the crises in West Asia as well as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which highlight the importance of strengthening regional economic cooperation.

“Therefore, the leaders’ aspirations must be implemented as effectively as possible so that trade among ASEAN countries can be increased, and ultimately it is our people who will benefit,” he said.

Mohamad added that the discussions also covered efforts to improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people among ASEAN member states.

-- BERNAMA