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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 61665, member: 636"] ASEAN economic leaders discussed expanding trade partnerships during meetings that concluded today. Investment Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz emphasized the bloc's efforts to strengthen ties with Gulf nations while addressing global economic challenges. Ministers expressed concerns about rising protectionism, which threatens international trade rules. The group advanced key agreements, including updated trade frameworks and digital economy initiatives. Malaysia leads 18 priority projects during its current chairmanship of the regional organization. Officials plan to finalize the enhanced ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement at October's summit. The upgraded trade pact includes provisions for supply chain resilience and crisis response mechanisms. Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn described the agreement as vital for creating a unified regional market and production hub across Southeast Asia. [/QUOTE]