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12 April 2025 

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II of Brunei Darussalam attended the 12 th AFMGM and Related Meetings held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Also present at the Meetings was Yang Mulia Dayang Hajah Rashidah binti Haji Sabtu, Managing Director of the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB).

The 12th AFMGM and Related Meetings 

The Meetings began with dialogues between ASEAN Finance Ministers and representatives as well as ASEAN Central Bank Governors with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ASEAN-BAC), ASEAN – European Union Business Council (EU-ABC) and ASEAN – United States Business Council (US-ABC). The dialogues focused on advancing public and private sector collaboration in light of geo-economic challenges, among others through driving sustainability, expanding connectivity and leveraging digital transformation in the ASEAN for the region’s long-term growth. 

ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, and representatives also participated in a dialogue session with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) including the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Centre of Economic Policy Research. Developments on the global and regional outlook was presented to establish the context for ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to discuss and exchange views on the latest trade policy developments in shaping a more robust and resilient ASEAN region. 

During the 29th ASEAN Finance Ministers Meeting, Ministers discussed ways to enhance ASEAN Finance cooperation in several areas including customs, taxation, insurance, infrastructure financing, treasury and public finance management. Ministers also stressed the importance of streamlining cross-sectoral engagements within ASEAN cooperation to address cross-cutting issues on energy, disaster, health and food security. 

The 12th AFMGM expressed support for Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship priorities, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”. The Meeting also exchanged views on strengthening cooperation in regional monetary and financial integration, as well as in sustainable finance. 

During the Meetings, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah, among others: 

1. Welcomed Malaysia’s vision to strengthen the ASEAN Community through the chosen theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability” which resonates deeply with ASEAN’s shared aspirations for a resilient and prosperous region; 
2. Stressed the importance of strong economic and trade linkages in navigating global challenges and reiterated Brunei Darussalam’s support in collaborating with Malaysia and other ASEAN member states in advancing shared economic priorities, mitigate the impact of external shocks and realising ASEAN’s collective vision for a prosperous, resilient and interconnected ASEAN Community; and 
3. Emphasised the development of a sustainable finance framework is critical for attracting climate finance and driving sustainable investments towards building a more resilient ASEAN region.

The Joint Statement of the 12th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting issued on 10 April 2025 appear as Annex A. 

The ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Meeting 

Following the introduction of tariffs by the United States including the tariffs announced on 2 April 2025 and the most recent suspension on 9 April 2025, ASEAN Economic Ministers held a video conference to discuss recent developments and ASEAN’s common approach, moving forward. The Joint Statement of the ASEAN 3 Economic Ministers on the Introduction of Unilateral Tariffs of the United States issued on 10 April 2025 appear as Annex B. 

Bilateral Meetings 

Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Mohd Amin Liew bin Abdullah paid a courtesy call on Yang Berhormat Datuk Seri Utama Tengku Zafrul bin Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia to discuss bilateral economic and trade relations between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia as well as current issues impacting ASEAN economic and trade cooperation. Both Ministers reiterated the importance of close cooperation to reduce the impact of trade measures and in advancing mutual economic growth. 

During discussions with the US-ABC, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr. Haji Amin Liew bin Abdullah and the US-ABC, led by Ambassador Brian McFeeters, Senior President and CEO, explored possible ways for greater collaboration in the financial and digital sectors, building on ASEAN platforms.