Malaysian diaspora vital asset on global stage, says Anwar
He said Malaysian diaspora acts as unofficial ambassadors, carrying the nation's name onto the international stage.
"Therefore, I urge them to continue seizing every opportunity and avenue to strengthen their knowledge, skills and networks, so they can contribute back to the country," he said at a gathering with the Malaysian diaspora residing in Italy, here on Tuesday.
During the event, Anwar also took the opportunity to share various initiatives, policies and efforts of the Madani government in championing the welfare of the people and the country's future direction amid global geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainties.
The event was part of his official visit to Italy at the invitation of his counterpart, Giorgia Meloni.
Accompanying him were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Transport Minister Anthony Loke; Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz; and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Last year, trade between Malaysia and Italy recorded a two per cent increase to RM14.61 billion (USD3.18 billion) compared to 2023.
From January to May this year, trade continued to show positive performance, rising by 3.3 per cent to RM6.50 billion (USD1.48 billion) compared to the same period in 2024.
Italy is Malaysia's fifth-largest trading partner among European Union countries and the third-largest importer of Malaysian palm oil from the bloc for 2024.
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