Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz. Photo: Quang Dinh / Tuoi Tre
During an exclusive interview with Tuoi Tre News, Aziz confirmed that the ACV 2045 aims to develop a resilient, sustainable, and people-centered region.
Could you highlight some of the key outcomes of the 46th ASEAN Summit recently held in Malaysia?
The 46th ASEAN Summit has witnessed some significant milestones, especially with the launch of the ACV 2045 and the Kuala Lumpur Declaration.
On Malaysia's part, we are pleased with the outcomes in the lead-up to the summit, particularly with the conclusion of the negotiation of the upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement, and the conclusion of negotiations for the ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement 3.0 upgrade. Both will be signed during the 47th ASEAN Leaders Summit in October.
As for the ASEAN-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summits, Malaysia is proud to be the bridge for this trilateral cooperation. Combined, the ASEAN-GCC-China bloc has a GDP of nearly US$25 trillion. We have a population of 2.15 billion, over a quarter of the world's. This collective scale offers vast opportunities to synergize our markets, deepen innovation, and promote cross-regional investment.
It serves as the first step toward building a forward-thinking and unique configuration which opens new chapters in cooperative dialogue, leveraging ASEAN's rapid growth and focus on future-proof sectors.
We will continue to work hard toward achieving our aims for this year's chairmanship leading up to the 47th Summit in October.
We are optimistic that it will be even more fruitful as we welcome all our dialogue partners, namely Canada, China, India, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea , Russia, the United States, and the European Union, to convene in Malaysia before passing the baton to the Philippines as the next ASEAN Chair.
As the ASEAN Chair, what expectations does Malaysia have for the ACV 2045?
The ASEAN Community Vision 2045 envisions an ASEAN that is the epicenter of growth for the Asia-Pacific, with community building at its foundation. The vision is based on key megatrends in the region and charts out a long-term strategy.
Malaysia is optimistic that a long-term strategy is practicable and adaptable. The vision demonstrates ASEAN’s readiness to adopt transformation, enhance connectivity, and promote innovation. We hope that this paves the way for an ASEAN that is innovative, dynamic, and people-centred.
ASEAN has remained resilient through the challenges of the decade, such as turbulent geoeconomic environments, rapid digitalization, and climate change. Its consensus-based approach is the core of ASEAN and will be the guiding principle for the next 20 years under the ACV 2045.
How do you assess Vietnam’s contributions to ASEAN, especially as the country marks its 30th year in the bloc?
Vietnam is a key player in ASEAN and contributes significantly in all areas. It is ASEAN's fifth-largest economy (around 11.3 percent of the regional GDP), second-largest in trade, and largest exporter of goods. Vietnam has also been a vocal member in espousing ASEAN as a platform for diplomacy among member states and beyond.
As a rapidly developing nation, Vietnam can and will continue to be a valuable player that supports the 2045 vision. Vietnam can be an engine of growth, especially in the export market which in turn can boost Vietnam's capacity to move up the value chain.
We believe that each ASEAN member state contributes significantly to the growth of the region, and Vietnam is no exception. As Vietnam and ASEAN continue to grow, we are moving closer to becoming the world’s fourth-largest economy through enhanced innovation, digitalization, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
What can Vietnam do in helping realize the ASEAN Vision 2045?
Vietnam and Malaysia share strong economic ties. In 2024, the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership marked a new chapter of development, reinforcing mutual support and contributing to peace, stability, and prosperity for both nations and the region.
Trade between the two nations has increased by over 75 percent over the past decade. There is greater understanding between the two countries in exploring opportunities to increase trade in existing areas such as electrical & electronic engineering and petrochemicals, and to cooperate and work in developing new areas such as green technology, renewable energy, and the halal industry.
The signing ceremony of the Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future on May 26, 2025. Photo: Reuters
As such, the two nations can foster greater cooperation based on their comparative advantages to contribute to the vision. Greater trade flows between the two nations can contribute to greater trade flows for ASEAN as a whole.
Besides economic cooperation, stronger government-to-government (G2G) and business-to-business (B2B) ties between nations will continue to enhance the stable and prosperous environment in ASEAN, providing a stable base to embark on our collective journey toward a region that is resilient, innovative, and dynamic.
The most recent example is the joint development agreement to explore the export of renewable electricity from Vietnam to Malaysia and Singapore, which was signed on May 26 during the 46th ASEAN Summit.
This landmark move for regional energy cooperation was initiated during the Malaysia-Vietnam Joint Trade Committee Meeting, which was co-chaired by Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and me in July 2024.
This strategic partnership highlights the growing momentum of our bilateral ties with Vietnam, which supports the ASEAN Power Grid agenda, advancing sustainability, resilience, and economic growth in the region.
What are the major challenges facing ASEAN today, and how can the region address them?
ASEAN today faces numerous challenges. Geopolitical uncertainties, supply chain shocks, and climate change are just some of the major megatrends we see as being key threats.
Our theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability' is a clarion call in the face of these threats. It reflects our shared commitment to ensuring regional peace, security, stability, and prosperity. The need to ensure that economic growth is inclusive and sustainable is imperative, not only across all member states but at all levels of society.
ASEAN Plus mechanisms
Speaking to Tuoi Tre News, Y.M. Tengku Dato Dr. Hishammuddin Zaizi, a member of the Selangor royal family and patron of the Malaysia-Vietnam Friendship Association (MVFA), emphasized that platforms like the ASEAN Plus mechanisms and summits with dialogue partners underscore ASEAN’s role as a convener and a stabilizing force in the region.
These engagements reflect ASEAN’s diplomatic agility and centrality in shaping multilateral discourse.
“To move from a reactive to a proactive posture, ASEAN should develop unified positions on emerging global issues such as digital governance, climate change, and AI ethics. Proactive leadership also entails investing in ASEAN-led solutions and institutions, enhancing coordination among member states, and empowering ASEAN’s secretariat to act more decisively,” Zaizi said.
To become a more proactive force, ASEAN must speak with greater unity, empower its institutions, and champion collective responses to global challenges.
Organizations like MVFA, under the patronage of leaders from both public and civic spheres, are instrumental in advancing ASEAN’s soft power through people-to-people diplomacy and cultural exchange -- essential components of ASEAN’s regional and global engagement.
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