KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's pivotal role in the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the regional economic integration, is an important aspect of the nation's economic development.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2015 is critical in ensuring that the priority measures and initiatives for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) are in place and the integration process will seamlessly continue beyond 2015.
Muhyiddin said he was aware that some quarters who may be apprehensive about ASEAN’s ability to deliver on AEC.
"We acknowledge that there are challenges in realising the full implementation of the integration initiatives under the AEC.
"I need to stress the AEC is an on-going process and 2015 should not be taken as the end date but rather the completion of the first step of measures towards the ultimate goal of a fully integrated economic community," he said in his speech at the opening of 2014 Intrade and Malaysia Fashion Week.
Also present were International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Datuk Lee Chee Leong, MITI's Secretary-General Datuk Dr Rebecca Fatima Sta Maria, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) chairman Datuk Noraini Ahmad, Matrade chief executive officer Datuk Dr Wong Lai Sum and global fashion icon Datuk Jimmy Choo.
Muhyiddin said Malaysia's involvement and focus in ASEAN or any of the other bilateral and regional engagements, has been clear.
"We are determined to transform our economy and ensure that Malaysia remains a good place to do business. And proof of this is in the improvement in our rankings in reports by various international institutions.
"Based on the WEF’s World Competitiveness Yearbook 2014, Malaysia, among 60 countries, is ranked 12th position, an improvement from 15th last year," he said adding that the World Bank has also recognised the nation's efforts, ranking it 6th on the ease of doing business, compared to 12th place last year, among 189 countries.
Muhyiddin also added there was a need to empower the youth to lead Malaysia forward.
"The more empowered our youths are, the more developed the country will become.
As the youths are filled with tremendous potential, idealism and ambition, it is important that we provide them the necessary avenue for them to channel their energy productively.
"One way of optimising these youths’ talents and energy is to mould them through proper nurturing ambiance from their early years," he said.
He also called upon the need to organise more industrial linkage programmes, as one of the many platforms for youth to acquire, develop and master the necessary skills.
Muhyiddin was also glad that among the entrepreneurs and designers participating in the event were a number of youths who he wished could fully utilise this event as a springboard towards international success.