The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are not trading more with each other in the region, despite its impressive trade and foreign direct investment figures (FDIs), said Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari today (Oct 19).
Amirudin was at the launching ceremony of the 7th Selangor Asean Business Conference (SABC), which kicked off today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
“I believe there should be more trust, more collaboration, and more partnerships developed within ASEAN. Despite boasting trade and FDI figures of $3.8 trillion dollars and $224.2 billion dollars respectively, we in ASEAN are not trading with each other in the region.
“Our biggest trading and investment partners are outside of ASEAN. We need to do more. This is why Selangor is keen on hosting SABC. Beyond just building connections and linkages, we want to increase collaboration between each other within ASEAN
“At SABC, we want to discuss strategies and ideas that can bring us closer and explore synergies,” he said today in a statement.
Organised by Invest Selangor Berhad (Invest Selangor), SABC 2023 will run for 2 days instead of the 1-day conference of previous years from Oct 19 to 20.
The regional thought leadership forum sees leading economic thinkers and captains of industry from around the world coming together to explore opportunities in ASEAN and how Selangor plays a pivotal role as the most competitive gateway to ASEAN markets.
The theme for SABC 2023 is “Selangor, Epicentre of ASEAN: Leveraging Diversity, Catalysing Opportunity, Creating Prosperity”.
Meanwhile, Selangor State Investment, Trade and Mobility exco Ng Sze Han said over the years, the conference has gained momentum, grown in magnitude, and expanded its horizon.
“We are united here today under one banner, to explore and underscore ASEAN’s increasingly significant role as a driving force for the global economy.
“Selangor is not just a location; it is a destination for businesses, especially for those venturing into the ASEAN market. As the SABC theme suggests, Selangor is the epicentre of ASEAN.
“We are leveraging diversity, catalysing opportunities and creating prosperity. Our vision extends beyond Selangor. Investment Promotion Agencies from across Malaysia and even from ASEAN are participating in SIBS, showcasing our global outlook,” he continued.
SABC 2023 is presenting 2 days of insightful panel sessions, featuring an impressive lineup of distinguished speakers who will share their deep knowledge of how companies can seek, identify and seize the opportunities available today.
Among the distinguished speakers in the opening session were Asean Business Advisory Council (Asean-BAC) Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Nazir Razak, Asean-Japan Centre secretary general Dr. Kunihiko Hirabayashi and Thailand’s Central Group executive director Prof. Suthiphand Chirathivat.
On the final day, participants will adjourn to the networking reception and special dialogue session with the Economy minister Rafizi Ramli, moderated by Invest Selangor chief executive officer Datuk Hasan Azhari Idris.
