11.02.2025 14:42
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia and Turkey have great potential in the fields of economy and trade. Prime Minister Anwar outlined his proposals to achieve the trade target of 10 billion dollars between the two countries and offered investment opportunities to Turkey.
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated that Malaysia and Turkey have great potential in the fields of economy and trade, saying, "Therefore, if we consider the capacities of Turkey and Malaysia, it is quite possible for us to expand our markets and collaborate with other countries in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)."
Prime Minister Anwar spoke at the Turkey-Malaysia Business Forum held in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia. Anwar thanked the trade ministers of both countries for their efforts to collaborate with the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) and the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM). Noting that the ministers held various meetings, Anwar emphasized that the plan to increase the trade volume between the two countries is very important. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar stated that the trade volume increased by 18.9% in one year, reaching 5.1 billion dollars, and expressed that "considering that a 20% increase is expected every year, the target of 10 billion dollars can be achieved in 5 years."
"THERE IS GREAT POTENTIAL IN MALAYSIA AND TURKEY"
Pointing out that due to their impatience and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's insistence on this matter, they should reach the 10 billion dollar target earlier, Anwar stated, "There is great potential in Malaysia and Turkey. Your strength lies in defense, tourism, and food technologies, while our strength is in semiconductors and influencing markets in ASEAN and the Asian region. I believe we need to collaborate effectively."
Anwar noted that despite the long-standing relationship between the two countries, their potentials have not been fully evaluated, stating that without supporting development, a common perspective, ideas, and vision will not be sufficient. He mentioned that SMEs play a fundamental role in conducting cooperation in the oil sector in Malaysia, adding that efforts in this area should be supported and expanded by DEIK and NCCIM's ministries. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar also emphasized that a special forum could be organized to specifically address this issue.
"COOPERATION AMONG ASEAN LEADERS IS UNRIVALED IN TERMS OF TRUST AND FRIENDSHIP COMPARED TO OTHER COUNTRIES"
Anwar stated that the Turkey-Malaysia Business Forum is seen as a capacity for more innovation, being more creative, and prioritizing SMEs, saying, "For example, Malaysia has a national policy that sets certain priorities in our industrial master plan, but we do not overlook importers either. The entire strategy is based on the supply chain, and most fall under this category." Prime Minister Anwar expressed that the fact that focusing on SMEs in terms of effective supply chains and expansion opportunities cannot be ignored.
"ERDOĞAN IS A DETERMINED LEADER"
Describing President Erdoğan as "a very determined leader in building Turkey as a larger nation," Anwar stated, "We also share this ideal for Malaysia." Anwar emphasized that ASEAN is "one of the most peaceful regions in the world and, in parallel, the fastest-growing economy in the world," noting: "The roads and opportunities are vast. I have full faith and confidence that this synergy between Turkey and ASEAN will be beneficial. Because the cooperation, trust, and friendship among ASEAN leaders are unrivaled compared to other countries I know. For example, we have a very strong cooperation outside ASEAN in the energy sector. The ASEAN energy network extends from Vietnam to Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sarawak and Sabah, the southern Philippines, and back to Batam, Indonesia. This energy forms the core of this strength based on strong friendship and trust."
EMPHASIS ON COOPERATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND MALAYSIA IN ASEAN COUNTRIES
Emphasizing that they are "focused on the digitalization of the entire region," Anwar stated that they are working intensively on this issue. He shared the example of cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand, stating that they are focused on economically uplifting and enriching the poorest provinces in northern Malaysia and southern Thailand. On the other hand, Anwar pointed out that there is a unique example of the "Johor-Singapore Economic Region" between Malaysia and Singapore, stating that the two countries operate based on mutual trust and have achieved very concrete outcomes. Anwar said, "Therefore, if we consider the capacities of Turkey and Malaysia, it is quite possible for us to expand our markets and collaborate with other countries in ASEAN."
"LET'S BUILD BRIDGES, LET'S CREATE OPPORTUNITIES"
NCCIM President Dato Seri N. Gobalakrishnan stated that the friendship between the two countries with economic and cultural ties is based on mutual respect and common values, recalling that NCCIM signed a cooperation agreement with the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) in 1995. Gobalakrishnan, reminding that he is the ASEAN chair, stated that there will be more opportunities for cooperation and strategic partnership between Turkey and Malaysia.
Highlighting the strong trade partnership between Turkey and Malaysia, Gobalakrishnan emphasized the potential for development in the field of economic cooperation. He pointed out that businesspeople from both countries could identify new cooperation opportunities through the Business Forum, saying, "Let's build bridges, let's create opportunities."
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