MILAN: Asia and Europe must continue to strengthen inter-regional trade, which is expected to exceed USD1.8 trillion this year.
In order to do this, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said it was important for both regions to remove barriers and implement measures to improve their multilateral trade system.
Speaking in his capacity as the ASEM Asean sub-group coordinator to leaders of 51 countries, including Croatia and Kazakhstan, which recently joined the ASEM family, as well as other members, he said given the significant benefit of inter-regional connectivity, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) must play a greater role in creating an environment conducive to increase trade and investment, growth and sustainable development.
"It is my belief that ASEM is vital to generating deeper synergy between the economies of Asia and Europe.
"Let us continue to build on the wealth of our experience and forge closer cooperation and integration among ASEM partners," he said in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ASEM Summit held at the Milano Congressi Conference Centre here today.
Total trade between Asia and Europe expanded some USD1.8 trillion last year and is projected to continue the strong momentum.
Throughout the day, Najib also had bilateral meetings with several world leaders.