KUALA LUMPUR: The business community of Asean, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and China must seize the economic momentum established by their leaders and turn it into tangible outcomes.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that while governments have laid the groundwork for stronger regional cooperation, the private sector must now step up to ensure that the ambitions of shared prosperity and deeper integration are fully realised.
"We have done our part. The political leadership has assured you of stability and given you the policy clarity, attractive investments, and the promotion of new technology.
"We will do whatever is necessary to promote investments and make our countries attractive to investors.
"Now that we have finished our session, the ball is in your court. The business community, the corporate players, the captains of industry must seize the moment and do whatever is necessary, because we have given our support and policy clarity," he said in his opening remarks at the Asean-GCC-China gala dinner, held in conjunction with the Asean-GCC Economic Forum 2025.
Anwar praised the collective leadership of Asean, the GCC and China for reaching a consensus that outlines shared principles of good governance, clear economic policy and prioritising citizens' welfare.
"As such, I salute all our Asean, GCC and China leaders. We have proven that it can be done.
"I look forward to this Asean-GCC-China Economic Summit because we want to see results, and it is now your (business community's) duty to act and ensure that our countries benefit from one another.
"There is so much synergy, so much collaboration needed, and so much hope to fulfil the aspirations of our countries."
The high-level summit, hosted by Malaysia as Asean Chair, brought together leaders from both regional blocs to strengthen cooperation across political, economic and security domains.
The 46th Asean Summit, held under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship theme, "Inclusivity and Sustainability", marks the country's fifth term as Asean Chair, following previous chairmanships in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015.
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/05/1222317/updated-anwar-businesses-must-seize-economic-momentum-established