Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has called for renewed regional cooperation and fairness in global trade, emphasizing the need for resilience and agility as the world faces shifting tariffs and evolving trade policies.
Speaking at the GoTrade Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, Anwar said that fluctuating trade dynamics are reshaping global supply chains and underscored the importance of regional unity in navigating these challenges.
“Tariffs, restrictions, and fluid trade policies are reshaping global supply chains. Such turbulence reminds us of the importance of resilience, agility, and regional cooperation,” Anwar said. “Malaysia believes that amidst this uncertainty, ASEAN must continue to embody the principles of openness and unity.”
Highlighting ASEAN’s growing economic significance, the Prime Minister noted that the region has evolved into a vital link in global manufacturing and trade, with a combined market of 680 million people. “Within five years, ASEAN is expected to become the fourth-largest economy in the world,” he added.
Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s ambition to strengthen its position as a trusted investment hub while ensuring that domestic enterprises and start-ups remain competitive. “The government continues to support SMEs through expanded guarantees and financing facilities, helping them innovate, digitalize, and compete confidently in global markets,” he said.
The GoTrade Summit 2025, hosted by DHL Group in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and supported by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), marked the first time the event was held outside Germany. Also present were MITI Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and DHL Group Chief Executive Officer John Pearson.
Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, emphasized Malaysia’s intent to reinforce ASEAN’s central role in guiding the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) during the upcoming 5th RCEP Leaders’ Meeting.
“The RCEP is more than an economic arrangement – it is a strategic affirmation that open regionalism remains the pathway to shared prosperity,” he said. “Our priority economic deliverables place MSMEs, women entrepreneurs, and youth at the heart of regional development.”
He added that ASEAN and the global community must focus on translating RCEP commitments into tangible benefits for small and medium enterprises, workers, and communities. “The success of RCEP will depend on our ability to translate commitments into opportunities,” he said.
Anwar also praised DHL’s GoTrade initiative for empowering thousands of MSMEs, including women-led businesses, to expand their global reach.
In his remarks, MITI Minister Tengku Zafrul highlighted the importance of building export resilience through SME transformation. “SMEs must evolve into globally competitive firms with niche expertise and homegrown technologies. But we cannot do it alone – this must be a whole-of-nation effort, and partners like DHL play a crucial role,” he said.
The summit underscored Malaysia’s commitment to promoting inclusive trade growth, advancing digitalization, and strengthening ASEAN’s leadership in the evolving global economy.