COUNTRIES SHOULD USE WTO PLATFORM TO RESOLVE TRADE ISSUES, PROBLEMS - PM ANWAR

By Nor Baizura Basri and Karina Imran

KUALA LUMPUR, April 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim strongly believes that trading countries should use the World Trade Organisation (WTO) platform to resolve trade issues and problems, including tariffs.

Anwar, who is also the ASEAN chair for 2025, said this was ASEAN's position whereby the pursuit of free trade should be done through mechanisms such as the Geneva-based global trade body and not unilaterally.

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"If there are some adjustments or corrections to be made, we (ASEAN) can always make it,” he said, alluding to the fact that even the thorny issues like tariffs could be deliberated upon through the WTO mechanism.

Nevertheless, "we (ASEAN), without exception express displeasure and disagreement with the unilateral decision by the United States" to impose the tariffs, he said.

“Countries should not resort to megaphone diplomacy," the Prime Minister said in obvious reference to the US in response to questions by reporters at the 12th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) here today.

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, stressed that the solution should be to engage more effectively together as ASEAN to persuade the US which is an economic superpower.

"Now, prior to that we have got this sort of a (90-day) reprieve (which is a) temporary one. So, what we need to do is enhance trade and investments and collaboration in digital and energy sectgors.

"There is a need to impress upon all countries including the US to respect rules-based order,” he said.

-- BERNAMA