Anwar highlights fiscal reform and global trade balance in meeting with IMF

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a bilateral meeting with International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, focusing on rebalancing global trade and strengthening the international financial safety net.

Anwar said the talks also included the implementation of fiscal reforms under Malaysia’s Ekonomi Madani framework.

“The meeting aims to reinforce the close and constructive relationship between Malaysia and the IMF, built through regular consultations, technical assistance, and close policy cooperation,” he said.

“Malaysia remains committed to fiscal discipline and inclusive, sustainable economic growth, with GDP projected between 4.0 per cent and 4.8 per cent in 2025.”

The discussions took place on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings, hosted by Malaysia from 26 to 28 October at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

Following the success of the Summit, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn praised Malaysia’s leadership this year, noting the bloc’s continued focus on peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and globally.

“Under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN has emphasised unity and its role as a global actor for peace and cooperation,” he said.

“Since its establishment in 1967, ASEAN has prioritised regional peace and stability because only through these can we advance prosperity, serve the people, and pursue a coherent agenda.”

Kim Hourn added that Malaysia’s chairmanship has effectively balanced domestic reform with ASEAN’s global engagement. “ASEAN is no longer just a regional bloc; it has become a global ASEAN,” he said.

He commended Malaysia for navigating a challenging year, including the admission of Timor-Leste as the 11th member, fostering economic cooperation, and mediating the Cambodia-Thailand crisis, as well as engaging with Myanmar.

“Malaysia has strategically steered ASEAN through a challenging year and achieved significant progress,” Kim Hourn said, highlighting the bloc’s commitment to multilateralism and dialogue in resolving global conflicts, including discussions on Palestine.

Perpetrating unity and cohesion remains central to ASEAN’s external relations, with ongoing collaboration with partners such as the United States, China, Japan, Korea, and the European Union.

“Unity is ASEAN’s strength. It is essential,” he said, emphasising the bloc’s continued dedication to its citizens, especially youth.

Reflecting on ASEAN’s future, Kim Hourn expressed pride in its emergence as a global player. “More countries are now ready to collaborate with ASEAN,” he said, noting that regional unity, peace, and stability will drive ASEAN’s shared vision toward 2045.

As chair of ASEAN 2025, Malaysia hosted the 47th ASEAN Summit and related meetings from 26 to 28 October at KLCC under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability,” aiming to build a resilient, people-centred, and forward-looking ASEAN. - October 28, 2025