Malaysia, Poland seek strengthened economic, trade ties
They reaffirmed the importance of adhering to internationally accepted trade norms and multilateral engagement and cooperation, as this would be mutually beneficial, the leaders said in a joint statement during Duda's official visit to Malaysia from June 9 to 11.
"The leaders reiterated their unwavering commitment to open and inclusive trade and a fair, rules-based international trading system. They strongly reaffirmed their support for the swift advancement of the Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA) negotiations and stressed the importance of concluding the agreement at the earliest opportunity," they said.
"Both sides agreed to promote balanced trade by reducing economic barriers, enhancing consultation mechanisms between relevant ministries, and fostering collaboration amongst business communities," they said, adding that friendly bilateral cooperation will facilitate cooperation in a number of new and emerging fields such as the digitalization of public services, green transition, particularly the hydrogen economy and renewable energy and the maritime economy.
Anwar and Duda also agreed to cooperate on security matters, including enhancing the exchange of experiences and coordination in combating crime, including organized and international crime.
Poland is Malaysia's important trading partner among EU member states. Malaysia's main exports to Poland include electrical and electronic products, rubber products and machinery, while main imports from Poland consist of machinery, equipment and spare parts, electrical and electronic products, and transport equipment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
26 minutes ago
- The Sun
US tariff rate won't affect Malaysia's commodities market, says Johari
JOHOR BAHRU: The United States' decision to impose a 19 per cent reciprocal tariff on Malaysian goods will not affect the competitiveness of Malaysia's commodities in the global market, according to Plantation and Commodities Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. He stated that the tariff rate remains competitive compared to other ASEAN nations, including Indonesia, which faces the same rate. 'We're almost on par with the lowest rates in ASEAN. For example, Indonesia is the world's top producer of oil palm, and we're number two. 'They are also subject to the 19 per cent rate, so for us, 19 per cent is fair. It's not a problem,' he said. Johari made these remarks after attending the Pasir Gudang UMNO Division delegates meeting earlier today. The US announced the new tariff rate yesterday, reducing it from the previously proposed 25 per cent. The revised tariffs, effective August 1, 2025, will apply to imports entering the US seven days after the announcement, as stated on the White House's website. - Bernama
Malay Mail
26 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
After Thai-Cambodia truce, Anwar now seen as key to possible Asean-led Myanmar peace push
PHNOM PENH, Aug 2 — Following its successful mediation of the Cambodia–Thailand border truce, Malaysia may now seek to apply a similar conflict resolution model to one of Asean's most intractable challenges — the ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia's assertive diplomacy is redefining Asean's role, transforming the bloc from a passive consensus-based forum into a more active regional player capable of navigating complex crises, according to political observers. In just four months as Asean chair, Anwar has secured two major diplomatic breakthroughs in addressing long-standing regional crises – moves that have drawn praise from the international community. Former Indian Ambassador to Thailand Anil Wadhwa noted that Anwar's proactive approach is challenging Asean's longstanding principle of non-interference - necessary to address the ongoing crises and issues like human trafficking and scams. 'By doing so, Malaysia is restoring Asean relevance in addressing the Myanmar crisis and promoting human security in the region. Malaysia will do well to ride on its success in the Thai-Cambodia conflict and try the Asean mediation between the military regime and the NUG and other disparate groups,' Anil told Bernama from New Delhi. Anil, who served as India's envoy to Thailand from 2011 to 2014, underscored the urgency for Asean to develop a workable political framework to address Myanmar's multi-layered crisis — one that has defied solutions for decades. Anwar, however, broke the bitter diplomatic deadlock in mid-April. He met Myanmar's State Administration Council Chairman Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok and also consulted the National Unity Government (NUG) representatives to allow the flow of humanitarian aid into earthquake-hit regions — a rare moment of cooperation between the two rival entities. Most recently, Anwar hosted a high stakes meeting in Putrajaya between Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, successfully defusing tensions along the two countries' shared border. The ceasefire, widely seen as a major Asean achievement, prevented a broader military escalation and ensured the safety of thousands of civilians. The 77-year-old leader's diplomatic masterstrokes brought the much-needed calm to the border communities on both sides and helped save thousands of lives. Otherwise, it could have turned into a costly military confrontation, destabilising the region. Still, Myanmar's situation presents a more complex challenge. The country's civil war involves some 20 ethnic armed groups, many of whom have been fighting for autonomy or independence since 1948. With over 135 recognised ethnic groups and competing visions of governance, the path to peace is steep. 'Asean needs leadership — and Anwar is providing that,' remarked Kavi Chongkittavorn, a senior fellow at Chulalongkorn University's Institute of Security and International Studies in Bangkok. 'He is making Asean more relevant under Malaysia's leadership, Timor-Leste is accepted into Asean, and to solve the Myanmar crisis, Asean needs the leadership too. 'Now Asean can engage superpowers, especially the US and China and others more effectively. Malaysia announced the new Vision 2045 that envisages the bloc as future-ready. Anwar is doing exactly that. It will take time to further rebrand Asean,' he told Bernama. He also highlighted the significance of the Thai-Cambodia ceasefire, calling it a milestone, especially since Thailand had previously rejected Asean mediation during similar border clashes in 2008 and 2011. While the world's focus shifted to the border tussle in recent days, Myanmar continues to grapple with its domestic predicaments from economic hardship, natural calamities, raging civil war in various states and internally displaced people. The military coup on February 1, 2021, has displaced at least three million people, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation 'The only way to solve the crisis in Myanmar is for the military government and the NUG constituents to come together to discuss power sharing, revenue sharing formula and open humanitarian corridors. The people of Myanmar need to be freed of their burden,' said Anil. The military government recently lifted its four-year-old state of emergency and has announced plans to hold national elections in December. Whether Asean, under Malaysia's leadership, can facilitate meaningful dialogue in Myanmar remains to be seen. But as Anwar continues to chart a more assertive course, political analysts agree: Asean may be inching closer to becoming a truly effective regional actor. — Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
30 minutes ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Impose Unexplained Wealth Order to curb graft among elite, says ex-MP
Former Klang MP Charles Santiago said Malaysia needs a law to force individuals to explain how they obtained wealth beyond their known income. PETALING JAYA : Former Klang MP Charles Santiago has urged the government to introduce an Unexplained Wealth Order (UWO) to tackle illicit wealth and systemic corruption among the elite. Citing official estimates, Santiago said Malaysia lost RM277 billion to fraud, procurement abuse, and illicit flows between 2018 and 2023, or RM55 billion annually, that could have funded schools, hospitals, and food aid. He pointed to the UK's UWO model, which recovered £62.9 million (RM390 million) in a single year through the order and related civil actions. 'Malaysia can do the same, recover stolen wealth without dragging cases for decades in court,' he said in a series of posts on X. UWOs allow authorities to compel individuals to explain how they acquired assets that appear disproportionate to their known income, even without a completed criminal case. Malaysia does not currently have a UWO framework. The existing laws, such as the MACC Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act, allow investigators to request asset declarations and freeze accounts, but only after a case is opened. Santiago's remarks came after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told the sons of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to return any wealth they cannot justify. But he said unexplained wealth should not be 'about one family or the fallout of the Turun Anwar rally'. He said ordinary Malaysians are made to prove their income for aid or loans, while the wealthy often escape scrutiny. 'Unexplained wealth shouldn't depend on who's in power. Malaysia needs clear legal triggers that require individuals to prove how they obtained assets beyond their known income. 'Without it, justice is just politics,' he said.
