PUTRAJAYA, April 11 — The 13th ASEAN Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting (AFMGM) welcomed a proposed US$30 billion (RM141 billion) facility by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for 2026–2030 to support the implementation of the Finance Sectoral Plan and ASEAN Community Vision 2045.
In a statement today, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) said the meeting also noted that the re-establishment of the ASEAN Swap Arrangement would further strengthen the region’s financial safety net.
“In advancing sustainable finance, ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors noted progress on the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance and the strong pipeline under the ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility (ACGF), amounting to US$19.4 billion (RM91.2 billion) in projects for 2026–2028.
“The launch of the Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) for Energy on April 7, 2026, was also welcomed as a key step towards strengthening regional energy security and supporting the ASEAN Power Grid,” said the statement.
In the same statement, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan said ASEAN expressed concern over tensions in West Asia and their impact on global trade, energy, and risks such as tariffs, geoeconomic fragmentation, and debt vulnerabilities.
He said Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to deepening financial integration and regional cooperation to safeguard ASEAN’s macroeconomic stability and resilience.
“In light of current global shocks, ASEAN’s position should remain pragmatic and steady. While we (Malaysia) may have limited control over external volatility, we can strengthen our internal foundations through deeper integration, enhanced policy coordination, sustained macroeconomic credibility, and reinforced confidence in ASEAN as a region for investment and growth,” he said.
Amir Hamzah led Malaysia’s delegation at the virtual meeting held on April 10 alongside Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, while MoF Deputy Secretary-General (Policy) Datuk Zamzuri Abdul Aziz served as Malaysia’s head of delegation at the Deputies’ and related meetings prior to the AFMGM.
The 13th AFMGM, co-chaired by Secretary of the Department of Finance of the Philippines Frederick D. Go and Governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Eli M. Remolona Jr, concluded with the issuance of a Joint Statement reaffirming ASEAN’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic and financial stability, advancing digital transformation, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth.
The meeting endorsed key priorities under the Philippines’ 2026 Chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” including advancing sustainable and resilient ASEAN capital markets, strengthening regional payment connectivity, and promoting financial health through the development of a regional measurement framework.
The AFMGM and its related meetings also benefited from continued engagement with key external partners and international financial institutions, including the United States (US) Treasury, the Australian Treasury, the US-ASEAN Business Council, the European Union (EU)-ASEAN Business Council, the United Kingdom (UK)-ASEAN Business Council, and TheCityUK, as well as the ADB, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank, contributing to the exchange of views on regional and global economic developments.
