ASEAN focuses on the removal of non-tariff barriers in four sectors this year, ASEAN Business Advisory Council Malaysia Chairman Tan Sri Dr Munir Majid said.
He identified the sectors as agrifood, healthcare, logistics and retail, including e-commerce.
"We are working very hard to make sure that the private sector participates in working groups to address problems in the prioritised four sectors," he told a media conference on the 'ASEAN Economic Community: Progress and Achievements', here today.
Munir said the Malaysian corporate sector needed to acquaint itself with the four sectors and keep tabs on their progress to prepare for and take advantage of the non-tariff barriers removal.
He said the council worked very hard last year to ensure that the private sector was recognised specifically as collaborator in the ASEAN 2025 Blueprint and the region's economic integration process.
Hence, the private sector must play a more active role in the ASEAN integration process, not just in making business, but participate in providing solutions, he said.
Munir said ABAC was at the apex of these contributions and collaborations by the private sector in making sure that the economic integration would be more meaningful, breaking down barriers and inhibitions.
"It (ABAC) has to engage the 19-member ASEAN business councils and collaborate with 66 known industry and professionalisation which have an ASEAN interest (at heart).
"We want expertise in those four sectors, there is a private sector international body for food and agriculture that can provide the expertise that (can) participate in the group and make a difference," he said.
Munir said the ASEAN enterprise provides vast opportunities to the private sector to participate in the process of ensuring a more a seamless integration.
"It is like a functional democracy, the private sector participating in decision making," he said.
ABAC ensures that Malaysian companies participate actively and not only taking advantage of the ASEAN market, but also find solutions to the problems that have been identified, he added.
Bernama
Wed May 04 2016
Munir said the Malaysian corporate sector needed to acquaint itself with the four sectors and keep tabs on their progress to prepare for and take advantage of the non-tariff barriers removal. - File Photo
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.