By Ahmad Erwan Othman
KOTA TINGGI, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- The resort town of Desaru, Johor, famous for its pristine beaches and beauty of its natural surroundings, have come to life as it currently hosts the 31st ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) Retreat.
The retreat begins with a meeting of ASEAN Economic Ministry senior officials from Feb 24 to 26, culminating on Feb 28 with the AEM Retreat chaired by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
The retreat is the second ministerial level meeting for ASEAN members under Malaysia’s chairmanship for 2025, following the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat in Langkawi in January.
Pengerang Municipal Council president Mohammad Nazrul Abd Rahim said the retreat has not only made Desaru come alive but has a spillover effect on the local community, especially in the tourism and business sectors.
"Hotel room bookings are up, businesses are thriving and local industries around Desaru have greatly benefited with the presence of the various delegations. This will boost Desaru’s name, which has been known as Johor’s hidden gem,” he told Bernama, adding that the retreat was the best opportunity to promote Pengerang’s unique culture and culinary heritage, especially with special dishes like lobster, horseshoe crab and sea snail, which are great hits among tourists and seafood lovers alike.
Mohammad Nazrul expressed optimism that the retreat will open many doors for Desaru as a tourist destination as well.
"Usually, Pengerang is known for the oil and gas industry, but with an international event like this, we are doing our best to brand Desaru as the best tourism destination in Johor and Malaysia,” he said, adding that the retreat would indirectly help promote Visit Johor 2026, which aims to attract 12 million local and foreign tourists.
Meanwhile, checks by Bernama showed that a festive atmosphere had enveloped Desaru, with various banners bearing the ASEAN logo decorating the town, as 200 delegations from 10 ASEAN member countries and Timor-Leste meet here.
The ministers are expected to discuss the 18 Priority Economic Deliverables (PED) during the retreat, which are aimed at strengthening regional economic integration, boost inclusivity, empower sustainability and stimulate digital trade in the ASEAN region.
-- BERNAMA
