Asean, US urged to focus on trade ties
PUTRAJAYA: Asean and the United States (US) must focus on reigniting their economies and reversing the damage caused by Covid-19, said Senior Minister (Foreign) Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
Speaking yesterday at the Asean-US Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held virtually, Hishammuddin said both sides should further enhance cooperation as two-way trade between US and Asean countries amount to more than US$260 billion (RM1.09 trillion).
“Malaysia is also one of the top five Asean import suppliers for the US, at US$39.4 billion (RM166 billion). These are huge figures, and it is pertinent for both sides to remain committed to preserving and maintaining our open and connected supply chains.”
Also present at the meeting was US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Hishammuddin said Asean and the US must be mindful that millions of lives depend on unimpeded trade to continue between both sides and need to closely work together to identify and address any trade disruptions, especially those with ramifications on the flow of necessities.
Malaysia also called on the US to support Asean to address mental health issues, a crucial area to tackle the pandemic’s socioeconomic impacts, Bernama reported.
Hishammuddin noted that as country coordinator, Malaysia is working closely with Brunei as Asean Chair 2021 and Australia on this matter, which is a key priority for Brunei’s chairmanship.
“We have expressed our readiness to co-sponsor a Leaders’ Statement on Mental Health at the 16th East Asia Summit and hope the US can support the issuance of this statement.”
On his ministry’s role in addressing the alarming pandemic situation, he said it is looking at four factors, namely “circuit breaker” best practices from other nations to advise the health authorities, obtaining testing expertise and capabilities to further complement the current testing infrastructure, leveraging on its ties with vaccine-producing and/or exporting partners to increase vaccine supply, and mutual recognition of vaccination certification to facilitate cross-border travel.