ASEAN Embarks on Bold Push for Deeper Economic Integration and Connectivity Malaysia to Lead Vision 2045 Agenda: Foreign Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23:  The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is ramping up efforts to accelerate regional economic integration and connectivity, as member states move from policy planning to concrete implementation under the ambitious ASEAN Vision 2045, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan announced today.

During his visit to the International Media Centre at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) ahead of the 47th ASEAN Summit, Mohamad said more than 80 key outcomes, including Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), are expected to be finalized and unveiled, signaling the bloc’s renewed determination to strengthen its role as a unified economic community.

“Our goal is to turn the ASEAN Vision 2045 into reality. Malaysia will play a leading role in driving this vision forward. We are committed to implementing the ASEAN Community 2045 agenda in carefully planned phases,” he said.

According to Mohamad, the first phase of the Vision 2045 roadmap will focus on enhancing regional connectivity, including infrastructure, trade logistics, and digital integration. The second phase will aim to intensify intra-ASEAN economic activities, reducing dependency on traditional economic partners such as the United States, the European Union, and Japan.

“We must diversify our markets and build new networks of cooperation. ASEAN needs to move beyond reliance on traditional partners and focus on collective regional strength,” Mohamad emphasized.

Mohamad also revealed that ASEAN plans to deepen engagement with emerging blocs, notably BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), while reviving discussions on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), last convened in 2020.

Furthermore, ASEAN will strengthen trade relations with China through the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) 3.0, which aims to create more dynamic, equitable, and resilient economic cooperation.

“We seek to facilitate greater trade and investment flows between China and ASEAN. Instead of competing with one another, we must present a united front and create equal incentives for investors. ASEAN must speak with one voice to amplify its influence globally,” Mohamad stated.

Referring to the long-term ASEAN Vision 2045 aspiration “One Vision, One Identity, One Community,” Mohamad acknowledged that inclusivity and sustainability remain persistent challenges under the current ASEAN 2025 framework. However, he asserted that the bloc is moving steadily toward deeper unity and resilience.

“To speak as one ASEAN, we must first harmonize our internal priorities — not only in economic matters but also in inclusivity and sustainability, which define our theme for this year,” he added.

The minister also welcomed Timor-Leste’s formal admission as ASEAN’s 11th member, describing it as “a new milestone” that underscores ASEAN’s commitment to expansion and regional inclusivity.

“ASEAN was originally established as a political alliance to shield its members from external influence. Today, it has evolved into a dynamic platform for economic collaboration and shared growth,” Mohamad noted.

Malaysia, holding the ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, has adopted the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability” and will host the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings from October 26 to 28 at KLCC.

The summit, expected to be one of the largest in ASEAN’s history, will serve as a crucial platform for leaders to advance economic partnerships, promote sustainable development, and address regional and global challenges through cooperation and dialogue.

This year marks Malaysia’s fifth term as ASEAN Chair since the group’s founding in 1967, following previous terms in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. The Philippines is slated to take over the chairmanship in 2026.

“Malaysia is deeply honoured to guide ASEAN during this pivotal period. Our focus will be on inclusive growth, digital transformation, and economic resilience ensuring ASEAN remains relevant, united, and forward-looking,” Mohamad concluded.