Malaysia has voiced full support for comprehensive reforms of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to ensure it remains effective and responsive in addressing modern global trade challenges, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Speaking after a meeting with WTO Director-General Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Anwar said the organisation needs to be revitalised to tackle emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, digital trade and climate-related policies but without constraining the fair policy space of developing nations.
“I reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to multilateralism and the need for the WTO to remain inclusive, effective, and responsive,” he said.
The meeting, held in Rio de Janeiro, focused on the WTO’s role in the evolving trade landscape. Both leaders are attending the 17th BRICS Leaders’ Summit hosted by Brazil from July 6 to 7.
Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian economist, has served as the WTO’s Director-General since March 2021 and is the first woman and first African to hold the position. Anwar arrived in Brazil on Saturday at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
Source: https://www.businesstoday.com.my/2025/07/07/malaysia-backs-wto-reform-to-address-ai-climate-and-digital-trade/