The horizon for UAE-Malaysia bilateral relations gleams with potential as key figures from both nations convened at an Abu Dhabi business roundtable. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE’s Minister of State for Foreign Trade, engaged with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Minister Tengku Zafar Tengku Abdul Aziz, and a selection of pivotal government and business representatives.
Central to the dialogue was the mutual desire to enhance trade, investment, and industrial collaboration. “The UAE greatly values our economic, social, and cultural bonds with Malaysia, the strength of which is a reflection of the shared will of the nations’ respective leadership to foster constructive cooperation and unlock mutually beneficial opportunity” articulated Al Zeyoudi.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim extended an invitation to UAE-based entities to view Malaysia as a prime investment destination. “During the session, I shared Malaysia’s experience, policies, and priorities in attracting investments from renowned global companies such as Tesla, Infineon, and Geely. I also shared the country’s focus areas as outlined in the new National Energy Transition Roadmap and the New Industrial Masterplan 2030.” conveyed Ibrahim. He further underscored sectors ripe for collaboration such as renewable energy, the digital economy, and food security.
Currently, Malaysia occupies the 12th position among the UAE’s global trade allies, while the UAE stands as Malaysia’s predominant trading partner within the Arab domain. Recent data showcases a remarkable ascent in bilateral non-oil trade, marking a 36% growth from 2020 to 2022.
At the roundtable, attendees delved into detailed discussions on updates for ongoing projects, prospective joint ventures in arenas like clean energy, infrastructure, and food security, and investment possibilities in third countries.
Participants also spotlighted the unique advantages both nations bring to the table – the UAE’s accessibility to global markets owing to its geographical prominence and state-of-the-art logistics, juxtaposed with Malaysia’s abundant raw materials and its pivotal economic position within East Asia.
Building on this momentum, both nations have ignited discussions following their joint declaration last May, signaling a potential Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), affirming their dedication to a thriving collaborative epoch.
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