The Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anifah Aman said that Malaysia will consider the suggestion of a single time zone for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

He said a single time zone for the region might be Malaysia’s goal during its chairmanship of ASEAN in 2015, adding that it will promote trade and inter-governmental cooperation among member nations and between the bloc with other Asian countries.

A single time zone will allow parties to have more time to exchange information, coordinate activities of stock markets, and improve the flight control system and business and bank network in Asia.

The idea of a single time zone was discussed at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat in Kota Kinabalu, capital city of Sabah state, Malaysia, in late January.

The issue was also mentioned by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in his meeting with Myanmar President Thein Sein at Putrajaya city, the federal administrative centre of Malaysia, on March 13.

In his official visit to Malaysia on February 5, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said he hoped discussions on the suggestion will start as early as possible.-VNA