Fast, factual wire coverage from across Malaysia and the region.
Indonesia and Thailand have adopted a strategic partnership roadmap targeting US$20 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. The framework encompasses food security, energy collaboration, digital economy initiatives, and the halal industry, with both nations establishing their first-ever Joint Trade Commission.
New US tariff measures are expected to have limited immediate impact on Southeast Asian exports to America, thanks to extensive product exemptions and lower-than-expected rates, though an ongoing probe into structural excess capacity remains a significant concern.
Indonesia is actively negotiating with the US Trade Representative's office to secure more favourable tariff treatment following Washington's imposition of a 10 per cent duty on Indonesian goods.
Malaysia's export growth forecast for 2026 has been substantially revised upward to 21.7% from 15.3%, reflecting stronger-than-anticipated performance in the first half of the year and continued momentum in technology sectors.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has instructed the Transport Ministry to explore the use of ports along the Malaysia-Thailand border, including facilities in Penang, following discussions with Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul on enhancing cross-border infrastructure.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will undertake a two-day official visit to Malaysia from July 9, timed with the opening of the new permanent Sadao border checkpoint on July 11, aimed at enhancing bilateral trade, investment and tourism cooperation.
Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has urged rural entrepreneurs to look beyond domestic markets and tap into ASEAN and global halal economy opportunities, citing successful initiatives that have created thousands of jobs.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim underscores Malaysia's strategic importance as a global trading nation, emphasizing diversification beyond traditional partners and expanding ties to emerging markets in West Asia, Central Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Malaysia's Investment Minister Johari Abdul Ghani has called for the World Trade Organization to fundamentally reshape itself to address contemporary economic challenges, warning that failure to modernize risks rendering the institution obsolete.