US tariffs, trade war fears, global uncertainty top agenda as ASEAN finance chiefs meet in Malaysia

US tariffs, a potential trade war and global uncertainty are set to dominate talks as ASEAN economic ministers gather in Desaru in Malaysia’s Johor tomorrow (Feb 28). There will be at least two key outcomes expected by the end of this year: An upgrade of the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and wrapping up talks on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA). The current ATIGA deal allows goods and services to flow freely in the region, and an upgrade is aimed at further liberalising trade among ASEAN countries. The DEFA framework would help foster digital trade, innovation and growth of a modernised economy across ASEAN. Both of these moves are ASEAN’s strategies to reduce risks amid global uncertainties. Leong Wai Kit reports.