12 Agenda Items To Be Discussed At 26th AECC Meeting - Tengku Zafrul
By Danni Haizal Danial Donald
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) -- A total of 12 agenda items will be discussed in the 26th ASEAN Economic Community Council (AECC) Meeting held in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) today.
Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the meeting today is expected to be concise and productive, with all the agenda items to be covered within three hours, reflecting the AEC's positive progress and momentum.
“We will also place emphasis on the items requiring AECC’s endorsement for subsequent submission to the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC) and, thereafter, to the 47th ASEAN Summit. Therefore, we should minimise our intervention in areas that are for notation and instead focus our discussions on specific areas or issues that may require the AECC’s guidance or decision, to ensure a more streamlined and efficient deliberation today,” Tengku Zafrul said in his opening remarks at the 26th AECC Meeting.
Also in attendance were Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong and Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry Gan Kim Yong.
Tengku Zafrul, who is the chair of the AECC Meeting, said he looks forward to hearing the progress report on the initiatives undertaken and achievements accomplished under the AEC this year.
“These updates will allow us to take stock of how far we have come, while identifying areas that require renewed focus and collective effort,” he said, adding that he also looks forward to the reporting of Malaysia’s 2025 Priority Economic Deliverables (PEDs), which have brought tangible progress to ASEAN’s economic integration.
“In addition, we would like to welcome Timor-Leste’s participation today. In accordance with the Revised Guidelines adopted by the 35th ACC, Timor-Leste is invited to engage in today’s discussions,” he added.
The AECC, one of the three ASEAN Community Councils, is the key coordinating body that oversees the work of the ASEAN Economic Community pillar.
The AECC Meeting is held in conjunction with the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits taking place in KLCC from Oct 26-28.
The summit is set to be one of the largest meetings in the bloc’s history, serving as a crucial platform to foster deeper collaboration while addressing regional and global challenges in a cohesive, inclusive manner.
This is the fifth time Malaysia has assumed the ASEAN Chair since the bloc’s inception in 1967, with the previous chairmanships held in 2015, 2005, 1997 and 1977.
-- BERNAMA
