Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to an open, transparent, predictable, and rules-based global trading system anchored on the World Trade Organisation (WTO) at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting held in Suzhou, China, from May 22 to 23, 2026 [1, 2, 3].
Led by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, the Malaysian delegation emphasized that regional and mega trade agreements should complement and reinforce the WTO framework [1, 2, 3]. Johari said Malaysia remains dedicated to working "closely with APEC economies to ensure regional economic integration, digital transformation, sustainability initiatives, energy security and supply chain cooperation deliver practical, business-oriented outcomes for the Asia-Pacific region" [1].
The minister highlighted Malaysia's focus on strengthening cooperation in energy security and building more resilient supply chains amid ongoing global disruptions [1, 2, 3]. Malaysia also stressed the need to ensure that benefits from digitalisation, artificial intelligence adoption, and the green transition remain practical, inclusive, and accessible, particularly for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) [1, 2, 3].
These efforts will be supported through greater interoperability of systems, capacity building, and simplified implementation measures to enable smoother digital and green transitions across the region [1, 2, 3].
On the sidelines of the meeting, Johari engaged in bilateral discussions with counterparts from China, the US, New Zealand, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore to strengthen strategic economic partnerships [1, 2, 3]. Topics included cooperation through APEC and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), with a focus on enhancing trade and investment ties, advancing energy security and supply chain resilience, and boosting investor confidence and regional economic resilience [2, 3].
Johari also met with the US APEC Business Advisory Council and representatives from companies with operations in Malaysia to exchange views on supply chain resilience, digitalisation, and trends in investment facilitation [2, 3].
Malaysia will continue promoting regional economic cooperation to maintain an open, resilient, and conducive environment for sustainable trade and investment growth in the Asia-Pacific region [2, 3].
