KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will lead the Malaysian delegation to the 31st APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) in Lima, Peru, from Nov 14-16.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), in a statement today, said Anwar would be accompanied by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

With the theme, "Empower.Include.Grow.," the meeting would convene APEC leaders to advance sustainable growth and inclusive development across the Asia-Pacific region.

"This high-level participation reflects Malaysia's commitment to active and constructive engagement within the APEC framework, underscoring the nation's commitment to fostering economic resilience, sustainable growth, and inclusive prosperity," it said.

It added that Anwar will also lead the Malaysian delegation at the APEC 2024 CEO Summit, with high-level representatives from 17 leading Malaysian corporations to share Malaysia's strategic approach to the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

The strategy includes leveraging AI for economic growth and productivity and emphasising Malaysia's commitment to innovation, digital upskilling, and governance to ensure ethical applications of AI with inclusive benefits across all levels of society.

To further enhance the business delegation's engagement, the ministry said a roundtable meeting with key industry leaders from Peru has also been scheduled, providing a platform for meaningful exchanges and potential business-to-business collaborations.

On the sidelines of AELM, Anwar would also be participating in the APEC Economic Leaders' Informal Dialogue with Guests, the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Dialogue with APEC Economic Leaders, as well as in meetings with captains of industry arranged by MITI.

"These discussions aim to secure potential investments that will create high-quality job opportunities in Malaysia, aligning with the strategic priorities outlined in the MADANI Economic Framework, New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) and other national economic initiatives," the ministry said.

MITI added that in conjunction with his official visit to Lima, Anwar is set to engage in bilateral meetings with several counterparts to strengthen Malaysia's diplomatic ties, explore avenues for greater economic integration within APEC and discuss how trade and investment can help mitigate the impact of current geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges.

MITI noted that as the 2024 APEC Chair, Peru, led by President Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, would guide discussions among APEC leaders on key issues, including economic integration, sustainable and inclusive growth, digital transformation, food security, and strengthening supply chains to address global challenges.

"Peru is expected to lead APEC Leaders in adopting the 2024 Lima Roadmap to Promote the Transition to the Formal and Global Economy, and the Ichma Statement on a New Look to advance the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), underscoring the region's dedication to addressing global challenges and advancing the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040.

"The issuance of the Leaders' Declaration would reflect the unity and cooperative spirit among APEC economies, particularly on climate change, food security, supply chains, as well as the economies' shared commitment to the FTAAP agenda," it said.

-- BERNAMA