A Bold Vision for Economic Growth

In an inspiring announcement from Kuala Lumpur, Kuwait's Crown Prince, Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, revealed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is targeting a staggering US$180 billion (RM759.6 billion) in trade with ASEAN by 2032. This ambitious goal marks a significant leap from the current trade levels, as Sheikh Sabah emphasized the need for proactive economic policies to drive this growth.

Current Trade Figures and Future Aspirations

As of now, trade between ASEAN nations and the six GCC member states has reached approximately US$130.7 billion (RM551.55 billion) in 2023. This highlights a thriving economic relationship that the GCC aims to expand considerably over the next decade.

Strengthening Ties for Mutual Prosperity

To realize this ambitious target, the GCC is committing to fostering deeper economic ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration. With a strategic focus on innovation and partnership, both regions stand poised to benefit immensely from strengthened trade relations.