Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy (MITI) Secretary-General Mastura Ahmad Mustafa stated that Trump’s presence allows ASEAN members to showcase the region’s global supply chain role.
KUALA LUMPUR: United States President Donald Trump’s visit to the 47th ASEAN Summit sends a positive signal to investors about America’s commitment to regional relations.
Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Deputy Secretary-General (MITI) Mastura Ahmad Mustafa stated that Trump’s presence allows ASEAN members to showcase the region’s global supply chain role.
She emphasised that ASEAN-manufactured products complement rather than compete with American goods within international supply networks.
“His personal attendance makes it easier for ASEAN nations to demonstrate our region’s stability and vital global supply chain position,” Mastura explained during a Bernama TV talk show.
Trump is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia tomorrow to participate in the ASEAN Summit proceedings.
Mastura, who also serves as Malaysia’s chief negotiator for US tariff discussions, reaffirmed ASEAN’s neutral diplomatic stance under Malaysian leadership.
“We maintain friendships with all nations willing to cooperate in regional economic development without taking sides,” she clarified.
Universiti Utara Malaysia’s Professor Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani interpreted the presidential visit as rebalancing efforts against China’s growing trade dominance.
He noted that Trump’s focus differs from previous US presidents who visited during Cold War tensions or Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations.
“Trump’s primary emphasis involves strengthening ASEAN-US trade relations and potential tariff renegotiations alongside security discussions,” Mohd Azizuddin observed.
He identified the South China Sea, Myanmar situation, and Cambodia-Thailand conflicts as key security agenda items.
Continued US-ASEAN cooperation represents America’s effort to reaffirm regional influence according to the political analyst.
The 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings will convene from October 26 to 28 under Malaysia’s 2025 chairmanship.
This gathering represents one of the largest in ASEAN history with over 30 national leaders attending.
Malaysia currently holds its fifth ASEAN Chairmanship following previous terms in 2015, 2005, 1997, and 1977. – Bernama
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