APEC Economies To Work With Business Leaders, Private Sector For Closer Economic Integration

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies will continue to work hand in hand with business leaders and the private sector in pushing for greater economic integration and cooperation in the region. Senior Minister and International Trade and Industry Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said the private sector could assume a more active and effective role in navigating the region towards a path of 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 welcoming speech at the 4th APEC Business Advisory Council Meeting here Tuesday. Mohamed Azmin also reiterated that Malaysia, along with other member countries, acknowledges that while halting the virus’s spread remains the top priority of each economy, 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 in keeping 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 ensure that the supply chain for essential goods remains unimpeded, he said. -- BERNAMA