Kuala Lumpur: ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, and China have been encouraged to turn their political goodwill into tangible economic outcomes, aiming to uplift businesses and empower citizens, according to Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. Together, these regions boast a combined Gross Domestic Product of US$24 trillion, representing approximately 23 percent of global GDP.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul emphasized the importance of multilateral economic cooperation during his welcoming remarks at the ASEAN-GCC-China Economic Forum's opening ceremony and official gala dinner. He highlighted the forum as a dynamic convergence of policymakers, business leaders, and global investors, featuring numerous Fortune 500 CEOs and industry leaders. This gathering, he noted, underscores a shared commitment to unlocking opportunities in trade, investment, energy transition, digital innovation, and sustainable development.

The event was attended by notable figures including Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and China's Premier Li Qiang, along with the United Arab Emirates' Minister of State for Foreign Trade Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Timor Leste's Minister of Commerce and Industry Filipus Nino Pereira. Other attendees included Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, and Perak Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.