Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim welcomed Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, during a visit aimed at enhancing trade and investment relations between Malaysia and the UAE.
Dr Al Zeyoudi also met with Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Zafrul Aziz, to discuss cooperation in rapidly growing sectors like technology, manufacturing, and services, and to review the progress of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement negotiations. The visit signifies the strengthening of ties between the UAE and Malaysia. In 2023, their non-oil trade amounted to $4.7B, matching the record levels of 2022.
Al Zeyoudi commented, “Malaysia is a significant and long-standing trade and investment partner for the UAE. This visit emphasises the importance of direct meetings in advancing our relationship. Both nations acknowledge the developmental benefits of open, rules-based trade and are dedicated to enabling our private sectors to capitalise on the opportunities in each other’s economies. We see substantial potential for increased trade and investment, particularly in high-growth areas like energy, logistics, manufacturing, and financial services. We also aim to collaborate further on the Halal economy. We anticipate progress in our CEPA negotiations, securing sustainable prosperity for both countries.”
Reflecting these views, Zafrul Aziz remarked, “The UAE is a crucial partner for Malaysia in the Middle East. We share a mutual commitment to enhancing trade and investment through open and fair practices. This meeting demonstrates our joint efforts to build a stronger economic relationship that will benefit both our nations and regions.”
Accompanied by a UAE delegation of senior officials and private sector representatives, Al Zeyoudi participated in a business roundtable where he highlighted collaboration opportunities, especially in energy, the automotive sector, and the Halal economy. This was followed by a networking session between business leaders from both countries to share experiences and explore potential opportunities.
In recent years, the UAE has strengthened its connections with the ASEAN bloc, signing Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with Indonesia in July 2022 and Cambodia in June 2023. These agreements are now in force and boosting bilateral trade.