Tengku Zafrul urges closer Asean ties to overcome trade barriers at aseanX launch

KUALA LUMPUR, October 16 — Malaysian Investment Development Authority chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz praised aseanX, a private information platform, as a potentially crucial instrument for deeper regional integration during its launch. He noted that the platform could help bridge information gaps for policymakers and businesses seeking to expand across Southeast Asia, where regulatory barriers continue to impede more open trade.

"I believe that sharing evidence-based information widely among policymakers, businesses and communities enables better-informed decisions, so I hope aseanX can play that role," he stated during the launch of aseanX's main office at Menara Eco on Jalan Pudu. Tengku Zafrul recognized that Southeast Asia's future in the coming decade will be shaped by transitions requiring nations to act collectively.

While acknowledging the need to safeguard national interests, he expressed confidence that greater regional cooperation would strengthen collaboration between Southeast Asian countries. Tan Sri Mohamed Nazir Razak, a corporate figure with experience in various Asean business and economic forums, attended the launch. aseanX describes itself as a "regional community enterprise working to bridge Southeast Asia’s information divide by bringing together local businesses, thought leaders and policymakers across all eleven markets."