ASEAN Plus Three countries need to address 3 key issues to enhance trade - Najib

The ASEAN Plus Three (APT) Leaders' Interface with East Asia Business Council needs to address three key issues in the quest to boost the economies of the member states, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

"Basically, there are three issues which concern the APT. Firstly, enabling, enhancing and sustaining micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region.

"Secondly, enhancing trade and investment cooperation with the dialogue partners.

"(And) thirdly, socialising the regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP)," the prime minister said in his opening remarks at the interface held in conjunction with the 27th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits here today.

The meeting served as a platform for the APT leaders to meet with business leaders in the region to discuss business opportunities and issues confronting the business community.

The APT comprises the 10 members of ASEAN, namely Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, as well as the three dialogue partners -- China, Japan, and South Korea.