Kuala lumpur: The 47th ASEAN Summit is expected to pave the way for deeper engagement between ASEAN and members of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) ahead of the formal ASEAN and CPTPP dialogue on Nov 20, 2025. Putra Business School professor Dr. Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff stated that the summit is poised to enhance CPTPP progress by fostering more free trade agreements (FTAs) between ASEAN and CPTPP members, facilitating closer collaboration between both entities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Razman emphasized that collaboration between ASEAN and CPTPP members could be further strengthened through direct FTA agreements in addition to the official collaboration between the two blocs. The CPTPP is a free trade agreement involving 12 countries, including Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Four ASEAN member countries-Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam-are part of the CPTPP.
Meanwhile, IPPFA Sdn Bhd's director of investment strategy and country economist, Mohd Sedek Jantan, noted that the summit would set ASEAN's direction in engaging with the CPTPP. Under Australia's CPTPP chairmanship this year, discussions on aligning CPTPP rules with ASEAN's trade framework have commenced. The CPTPP Ministerial meeting in May 2025 in Jeju, South Korea, confirmed plans for structured ASEAN-CPTPP dialogues, a decision later endorsed at the ASEAN Economic Ministers' Meeting in September 2025.
Cambodia and the Philippines have started feasibility studies for possible accession to the CPTPP. Leaders are expected to endorse the ASEAN-CPTPP Senior Officials' Dialogue on Nov 20 as a key deliverable, reaffirming new engagements with CPTPP members and indicating support for future entrants like Indonesia. Sideline discussions may focus on practical cooperation in areas like digital trade and green transition.
Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd's chief economist, Dr. Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid, highlighted that the formal dialogue would create avenues to invite other non-CPTPP ASEAN countries to join, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive approach to international trade amidst rising protectionist policies.
Mohd Afzanizam opined that the dialogue would open more discussions, especially on technology, the green economy, and sustainability, aligning with goals such as net-zero carbon emissions. The CPTPP comprises member countries with a combined GDP of approximately US$15.8 trillion, accounting for 14.4% of the world's GDP, covering a population of about 593.2 million people.
Malaysia, under the theme 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', will host the 47th ASEAN Summit from Oct 26 to Oct 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Malaysia is chairing ASEAN for the fifth time, and the Philippines will assume the chairmanship in 2026.