KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, and China have the potential to transform their strong political ties into concrete economic benefits that support businesses—including small and medium enterprises—and uplift communities, said Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 — ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, and China have the potential to transform their strong political ties into concrete economic benefits that support businesses—including small and medium enterprises—and uplift communities, said Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz.
He noted that the combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of these economies stands at US$24 trillion (US$1 = RM4.23), accounting for approximately 23 per cent of the global GDP.
“This forum serves as a vibrant platform for dialogue among policymakers, business leaders, and global investors. With the participation of numerous Fortune 500 CEOs and industry leaders, it sends a strong message that multilateral economic collaboration is not just active, but thriving,” he said during his opening address at the ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Forum 2025 and official gala dinner held here today.
Tengku Zafrul emphasised that the event reflects a collective commitment to advancing trade, investment, energy transition, digital innovation, and sustainable development.
The forum was attended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang.
Other dignitaries present included UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Timor Leste’s Minister of Commerce and Industry Filipus Nino Pereira.
Also in attendance were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, and Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad. — Bernama
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TEHRAN, April 28 — Iran on Tuesday said the United States is no longer in a position to dictate terms to other nations, as Washington reviews a new Iranian proposal concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
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