KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia and other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) economies will continue to work hand in hand with business leaders and the private sector to push for greater economic integration and cooperation in the region.
International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali said the private sector can assume a more active and effective role in navigating the region towards economic recovery as the global economy continues to expand.
“To achieve the desired economic growth, we must collectively include the micro, small and medium enterprises; women; indigenous communities; and, youth in the creation of opportunities to ensure the benefits of trade and regional prosperity continue to be equitably shared,” he said in his welcome speech at the 4th Apec Business Advisory Council Meeting here today.
He said Malaysia, along with other Apec members, acknowledges that while halting Covid-19’s spread remains the top priority, remedying the economic downturn must also be accorded equal significance.
The Apec Ministers Responsible for Trade have jointly reaffirmed the utmost importance of collaboration at all levels to keep the markets open.
Their issuance of the declaration to facilitate the flow of essential goods in Apec is a clear indication of the region’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that the supply chain for essential goods remains unimpeded, he said. – Bernama, November 17, 2020
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