PM Anwar Ibrahim outlines three key strategies for economic resilience at G20, focusing on AI preparedness, open trade, and fiscal sustainability
JOHANNESBURG: Countries can only withstand global shocks when their policies are sound, aligned, and ready for stress, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated.
Speaking at Session 1 of the G20 Leaders Summit, he emphasised that resilience results from deliberate choices and clear rules that help nations absorb volatility.
“As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia has seen that when policies are aligned and rules are predictable, shocks pass through with less damage,” he said during the session titled “Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth Leaving No One Behind”.
Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, warned that the next disruption, particularly from artificial intelligence, will be harder to contain.
“AI will reorganise labour markets at a pace our institutions will struggle to match,” he cautioned.
He stressed that without early investment in transitions, workers, especially the young, will face these shifts alone.
The Prime Minister outlined three essential strategies for building economic resilience against future challenges.
First, countries must equip their people, particularly youth, to keep pace with technological change through training opportunities and credible safety nets.
He noted that small and medium-sized firms, which carry much of the employment burden, will also need support.
Second, Anwar emphasised the vital importance of keeping trade open and predictable.
“In Southeast Asia, we are doubling down on international trade,” he said, adding that connected markets and stable rules strengthen supply chains and boost investor confidence.
He highlighted the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement, which will set common standards for data, payments and digital trade.
Third, the Prime Minister stated that global resilience cannot be built on fiscal exhaustion.
He observed that many developing economies now spend more on servicing debt than on education or investment.
“Countries need the capacity to invest ahead of disruption, not after,” Anwar asserted.
He called on multilateral development banks to deploy resources more quickly and work closely with countries to support resilience-building investments.
“Malaysia is therefore ready to work with all partners to meet this common challenge,” he concluded.
Also present were Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin.
This marks Anwar’s second participation in the G20 Leaders Summit as a guest country, following his first attendance in Brazil last year.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa extended this year’s invitation to Malaysia in its capacity as ASEAN Chair for 2025.
Later, Anwar will deliver Malaysia’s statement in Session 2, titled “A Resilient World — the G20’s Contribution: Disaster Risk Reduction; Climate Change; Just Energy Transitions; Food Systems”.
Following his address, the Prime Minister will attend the G20 Leaders’ Dinner hosted by Ramaphosa at the NASREC Expo Centre. – Bernama
