{
  "id": 11134917,
  "title": "Malaysia, Singapore eye stronger business links to boost intra-Asean trade",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/malaysia-singapore-eye-stronger-business-links-to-boost-intra-asean",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-01T07:21:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/01/malaysia-singapore-eye-stronger-business-links-to-boost-intra-asean-trade/237255"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "On October 1, Malaysia and Singapore discussed ways to strengthen business relationships and increase intra-Asean trade, during their Third Annual Ministerial Dialogue. The meeting, attended by Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong of Singapore, aimed to leverage the countries' strengths in supply chains, digital economies, and key industries.\n\nDatuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Malaysia's Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, emphasized the potential for greater trade and business linkages among Asean member states, with the long-term goal of increasing the share of intra-Asean trade. Currently, intra-Asean trade represents only about 50-60% of the total trade among the 11 Asean countries, valued at US$4.37 trillion.\n\nJohari also highlighted the importance of the Asean Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA), which Malaysia proposed during its Asean chairmanship in 2025. Singapore, as the current Asean chair, will take the lead in implementing DEFA as a strategy to boost intra-Asean trade.\n\nJohari stressed that Asean could leverage stronger regional connectivity across various sectors, particularly supply chains, food security, and electrical and electronics (E&E). While not all industries are involved, focusing on these areas can benefit from Singapore's strong connectivity. The annual ministerial dialogue between Malaysia and Singapore serves as a platform to identify and address issues affecting bilateral trade, services, and economic activities.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 — Malaysia and Singapore can collaborate to enhance business connectivity within Asean and boo...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Bernama",
        "title": "Business : Malaysia, Singapore Can Work Together To Boost Intra-ASEAN Trade - Johari",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/business-malaysia-singapore-can-work-together-to-boost-intra-asean",
        "published": "2026-10-01T05:24:53.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Malaysia, Singapore eye stronger business links to boost intra-Asean trade",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/malaysia-singapore-eye-stronger-business-links-to-boost-intra-asean-11139665",
        "published": "2026-10-01T07:21:20.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Malaysia, Singapore can work together to boost intra-Asean trade - Johari",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/malaysia-singapore-can-work-together-to-boost-intra-asean-trade-johari",
        "published": "2026-10-01T07:59:03.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}