Malaysia PM Anwar begins week-long trade trip to Italy, France and Brazil

Asia News Network

3 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will embark on a week-long tour covering three major economic hubs – Italy, France and Brazil – to bolster economic, trade and strategic ties, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
The Prime Minister's senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said the official visits, from July 1 to 7, will include high-level meetings with counterparts in Rome, Paris and Rio de Janeiro, with the three markets collectively recording bilateral trade worth RM50.91bil last year.
Anwar and his delegation, which includes senior officials and a business delegation, will travel via a chartered Malaysia Airlines flight.
'The government hopes a series of high-level meetings in Rome, Paris and Rio de Janeiro will strengthen friendships, boost trade and open up new opportunities for Malaysians and the Asean community,' he said during the PMO's daily briefing.
In the Italian capital, the Prime Minister will hold a one-on-one meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Chigi Palace.
The meeting will provide an opportunity for both leaders to take stock of the current state of Malaysia-Italy relations and explore avenues to further strengthen cooperation, particularly in the fields of economy, defence technology and energy.
The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, including the Asean-Italy Development Partnership, Asean-European Union Dialogue Relations and the situation in the Middle East.
As Asean Chair for 2025, the Prime Minister will also highlight Malaysia's priorities and the regional grouping's efforts in addressing regional and global challenges.
Anwar will also officiate the Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable, bringing together industry leaders from both Malaysia and Italy to explore opportunities for trade and investment collaboration.
He is also scheduled to meet leaders of the local Muslim community and engage with the Malaysian diaspora in Italy.
In Paris, Anwar is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss various issues, including trade, technology and education, said Tunku Nashrul.
'In addition to a business roundtable meeting with major French industry players, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to deliver a public lecture at Sorbonne University on July 4,' he said.
In Rio de Janeiro, Anwar will attend the BRICS Summit on the invitation of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
'Malaysia's participation as a BRICS partner country and Asean chairman in 2025 will focus on international laws, the governance of artificial intelligence, and climate, among others,' Tunku Nashrul said. Malaysia officially attained BRICS partner country status on Jan 1.
Tunku Nashrul said the Prime Minister will be accompanied by several Cabinet ministers and a business delegation comprising corporate giants and innovative Malaysian enterprises.
'Some of these companies are already operating and have business interests in Italy, France or Brazil. Others are exploring new investment opportunities to expand their global networks,' he said.
On how the business delegation was chosen, Tunku Nashrul said the selection was managed by the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), following approval from the Prime Minister.
'This is an established practice through the involvement of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (Mida) and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), which act as facilitators for Malaysian and foreign companies to pursue investments or joint ventures, particularly through business roundtable meetings with industry leaders in the countries visited,' he said.
Among the companies that will be part of the delegation are Khazanah, Tenaga Nasional Bhd, Maybank, CIMB, AirAsia, Sunway and Weststar.
Tunku Nashrul said the decision to use a chartered flight instead of a government aircraft was made to ensure greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
'Given the tightly packed itinerary across three countries, the chartered flight enables the delegation to minimise long transit times and make the most of their time on the ground. It is also more economical than operating a full government aircraft for the duration of the trip.
'Travelling on the same flight will ensure punctual attendance of both government and business delegates at all scheduled meetings and engagement sessions,' he said.