WELCOME REMARKS BY
YB SENATOR TENGKU DATUK SERI UTAMA ZAFRUL AZIZ MINISTER OF INVESTMENT, TRADE AND INDUSTRY MALAYSIA
IN CONJUNCTION WITH
ASEAN BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT SUMMIT 2025
25 OCTOBER 2025
(SATURDAY), 8.20 P.M. MALAYSIA INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (MITEC)
His Hon. Dato' Amar Haji Fadillah Yusof,
Deputy Prime Minister II of Malaysia;
His Excellency Liew Chin Tong,
Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry;
Tan Sri Nazir Razak,
Chairman of ASEAN-BAC 2025;
Mr. Joey Concepcion,
Chair of ASEAN-BAC Philippines;
Excellencies, ASEAN Economic Council Ministers.
Distinguished guests, business leaders, ladies and gentlemen.
A very good afternoon and Malaysia MADANI greetings.
1. First and foremost, allow me to express my deepest appreciation to the Honourable Deputy Prime Minister, for graciously taking time from his demanding schedule to attend the Official Opening of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit (ABIS) 2025.
2. To the ASEAN-BAC Malaysia Chapter, congratulations for successfully convening ABIS 2025, where the region's foremost business and policy leaders are gathered under one roof. ABIS has long stood as a bridge between vision and action - a platform where public policy meets private capital – to chart ASEAN's economic future.
ASEAN: FROM RESILIENCE TO RELEVANCE
3. This year’s ABIS convenes at a pivotal moment for ASEAN. The global economic terrain is in flux—shaped by shifting supply chains, recalibrated trade alliances, and the relentless momentum of digital transformation. Yet amid this uncertainty, ASEAN stands not on the sidelines, but at the forefront: a beacon of resilience, stability, and shared opportunity.
4. Under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, anchored by the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” our shared ambition is clear: to elevate ASEAN as a trusted nexus for trade and investment, and to champion a regional ethos rooted in cooperation—not competition.
MITI'S ROLE IN DRIVING BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT
5. At the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), our mandate is clear: to create an enabling environment where businesses can invest, trade, and thrive. We collaborate closely with ASEAN-BAC, the private sector, and regional partners to drive reforms that unlock market access, strengthen supply chain connectivity, and advance sustainable, future-ready industrial development.
6. This year, our flagship initiatives—from advancing the ASEAN Power Grid and ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), to upgraded trade agreements with China (ACFTA 3.0), India (AITIGA) and among ASEAN states (ATIGA) – are meant to achieve all those objectives, and more.
7. Additionally, the launching of the ASEAN MSME Green Transition Centre underscore our firm commitment that no enterprise, regardless of size, should be left behind. Because when MSMEs thrive, ASEAN prospers.
LOOKING AHEAD
Your Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
8. Looking ahead, MITI's aspiration is clear: that the business community gathered here today will harness ASEAN’s growing momentum and translate it into tangible opportunity.
9. Whether in digital innovation, green investment, or sustainable manufacturing, your partnership will be crucial in shaping ASEAN’s next chapter of inclusive growth. Together, let us build an ASEAN that is not only open for business—but open to collaboration, co creation, and collective prosperity.
10. Once again, my heartfelt thanks to Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Amar Haji Fadillah, Deputy Prime Minister II of Malaysia, for agreeing to grace the Official Opening of ABIS 2025.
11. I wish all participants a productive and inspiring business and Investment Summit. Thank you, terima kasih, and Salam Malaysia MADANI.
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