KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 is set to be a transformative period for Southeast Asia and beyond, with its leadership anticipated to play a crucial role in advancing regional integration and addressing global challenges. ASEAN-India Business Council (Malaysia) chairman Datuk Ramesh Kodammal highlighted Malaysia's strategic position as a key asset. He noted that Malaysia's role as chair will enhance ASEAN's connections with major dialogue partners, notably China and India, two critical markets for the region. 'Malaysia's chairmanship will spotlight vital areas such as maritime cooperation, supply chains and value chains, driving a significant policy shift towards deeper regional integration,' Ramesh told Bernama. As ASEAN moves towards finalising the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 along with its strategic plans and connectivity goals, Malaysia's leadership is expected to catalyse meaningful progress in regional economic cooperation and integration. 'In 2025, while hosting the ASEAN Summit, Malaysia will be strategically positioned to advance sustainable infrastructure and digital economy initiatives, which are gaining traction across the region,' he added. He said that additionally, Malaysia's chairmanship will champion the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) initiative. 'By promoting the AOIP through concrete projects and fostering collaboration in areas like maritime security and connectivity, Malaysia aims to build mutual trust and benefits within ASEAN-led frameworks,' he said. Malaysia is India's third largest trade partner from ASEAN, next to Singapore and Indonesia. India-Malaysia bilateral trade crossed the US$20 billion mark in 2023-2024 and may touch US$30 billion by 2025. Laos will hand over the ASEAN chairmanship baton for 2025 at the ASEAN Summit from Oct 8 to 11. Malaysia has held the ASEAN Chairmanship four times, in 1977, 1997, 2005 and 2015. ASEAN, which was established on Aug 8, 1967, comprises 10 member states - Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam. Timor-Leste's full membership in the grouping is pending. Source : BERNAMA News Agency