PRIME Minister (PM) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has outlined five key areas of focus to enhance the longstanding relationship between ASEAN and Australia, which has been established over 50 years. Among these areas is economic cooperation, particularly through the empowerment of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) ecosystem.
“Malaysia sees significant potential for support from Australia to strengthen the Asean MSMEs ecosystem, particularly through digital transformation, capacity building, market access, sustainable practices, and enabling equitable participation among MSMEs.
“Under the Second Protocol of the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, we should expedite the utilisation and engagement of businesses, especially for MSMEs,” said Anwar during a plenary session titled “Review and Future Direction of ASEAN-Australia Dialogue Relations” at the ASEAN-Australia Special Summit held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
“Malaysia is committed to developing MSMEs as drivers for job opportunities, innovation, and economic dynamism.”
Moreover, the Finance Minister pointed out energy transition as a crucial focus area for ASEAN-Australia relations, aligning with Malaysia’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
He announced Malaysia’s readiness to collaborate with Australia in expediting the energy transition journey with plans for the inaugural ASEAN Green Jobs Forum to be hosted in Kuala Lumpur supported by Australia.
“We are ready to collaborate with Australia when Asean seeks to expedite the energy transition journey. I want to share that Malaysia will host the first annual Asean Green Jobs Forum in Kuala Lumpur next month, with Australia’s support.
“This cross-sector initiative is expected to contribute to green jobs and green skills development in the region.”
Another focus area highlighted by Anwar is solidifying ASEAN-Australia connectivity with plans to co-host the Maritime Connectivity Forum with Australia and South Korea in June. This initiative aims to enhance infrastructure capacity through discussions on digitalisation and digital automation.
The PM also emphasised human capital development urging expansion of cooperation in education and technical and vocational education and training (TVET), incorporating disciplines such as green technology, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and artificial intelligence.
Furthermore, Anwar mentioned successful implementation of a capacity-building programme involving Malaysia, Australia, and Timor-Leste in 2023, aimed at facilitating Timor-Leste’s transition to full ASEAN membership.
“Our officials are currently in discussions to carry out the second programme, which will be implemented later this year.”
The ASEAN-Australia Special Summit was attended by all ASEAN member countries except Myanmar, along with three invited countries, namely New Zealand, Timor-Leste, and Papua New Guinea. – March 6, 2024
Main photo credit: AP
