The ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force was established in February this year during the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Retreat in Desaru, Johor. Subsequently, the first meeting was held on 16 May; this is the second meeting.
During the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim referred to the Task Force as a “new tool” that would enable ASEAN “to navigate external shocks with greater coordination, strategic foresight, and resilience”.
The Task Force is jointly chaired by Pak Djatmiko Bris Witjaksono, Director-General of International Trade Negotiations of Indonesia, and I, on behalf of Malaysia.
In recent weeks, particularly during the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, the ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force has been referenced several times. It was mentioned in the Chairman’s Statement of the 46th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and also in the ASEAN Leaders’ Statement on Responding to Global Economic and Trade Uncertainties, among other documents.
These mentions indicate significant expectations for this Task Force which will present its report in September. By the end of this Task Force’s term, we aim to present an ASEAN Integration Report, which will complement the ASEAN Economic Community Strategic Plan 2026-2030.
Hopefully, the ASEAN Integration Report, jointly led by Dr Mari Pangestu, former Trade Minister of Indonesia, and Mr Fraziali Ismail, Assistant Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, will assist us in addressing some of the immediate challenges we are facing.
Our aspiration is that this report will serve a role akin to that of a Mario Draghi Report for the EU that will guide us through the challenges that lie ahead.