THE government has taken a significant step in enhancing its economic ties with India, with a focused Trade and Investment Mission (TIM) led by Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Liew Chin Tong.
This mission was an important follow-up, aimed at furthering cooperation in critical sectors such as semiconductors and chemicals, while fostering bilateral collaborations in the broader context of technological and industrial development.
The five-day mission was designed to build on the recent official visit to India by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, which elevated Malaysia-India relations to the status of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The mission, which took place from 17 to 21 March, saw Liew and his delegation visit New Delhi and Mumbai to engage with key Indian stakeholders from both the public and private sectors.
In New Delhi, Liew engaged in a productive bilateral meeting with The Honourable Shri Jitin Prasada, India’s Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, and Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology.
The discussions centred on expanding cooperation in the semiconductor sector. Both sides agreed on the need for structured engagement at three levels: government-to-government, business-to-business, and industry association-to-industry association.
The hope is that the two governments will soon formalise a semiconductor partnership arrangement.
“India’s ambitious semiconductor industry policy presents Malaysia with an excellent opportunity,” Liew said, adding, “Many of the major investors in this sector in India have long been operating in Malaysia, and there is potential for us to deepen our collaboration through supply chain partnerships, as well as share best practices in management and capabilities.”
During the mission, Liew also met with influential industry bodies, including the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA), and the Indian Chemical Council.
These discussions were focused on advancing industrial collaboration and enhancing the resilience of supply chains in areas where both nations can benefit, with a particular emphasis on the semiconductor industry.
The Deputy Minister also participated in the prestigious Raisina Dialogue, held in New Delhi.
In a session titled “Concert of Oceans: Towards A Digital Indo-Pacific,” Liew contributed to discussions on the evolving geopolitical and geoeconomic landscape.
Organised by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in collaboration with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, the Raisina Dialogue serves as a platform for critical exchanges on global issues, promoting greater international cooperation.
In Mumbai, Liew met with The Honourable Shri Jaykumar Jitendrasingh Rawal, Minister of Protocol and Marketing for Maharashtra, a state that plays a vital role in India’s economy. Maharashtra, with its highly industrialised base, was the largest contributor to India’s GDP in 2024.
The discussions between Liew and Rawal covered a variety of sectors, including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, cold chain logistics, as well as food and agriculture, which presents a significant opportunity for Malaysia to tap into the economic potential of the state.
The mission also featured a roundtable meeting with 30 industry leaders and representatives from eight industry associations from Mumbai and other cities.
The meeting provided an opportunity to update Indian companies on Malaysia’s policies, strategic industry focuses, and the opportunities available under Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP 2030), National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS), and Green Investment Strategy, all framed within the MADANI Economic Framework.
Liew's delegation, which included key officials from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), MATRADE, and the High Commission of Malaysia in New Delhi, also engaged with Malaysian businesses operating in India.
This session allowed for a valuable exchange of insights into the current business landscape, as well as challenges faced by Malaysian companies in India.
As part of the mission, Liew visited Gentari India’s solar facility in Uttar Pradesh, a key part of the company’s renewable energy operations in the country.
Gentari India, a subsidiary of Petronas, is the largest business-to-business (B2B) provider of renewable energy in India, with an installed capacity of 3.5 gigawatts.
The mission, in line with Anwar’s vision for deepening economic and technological cooperation among Global South nations, has been deemed a success.
Moving forward, MITI, alongside its agencies MIDA and MATRADE, will continue working to enhance Malaysia-India economic cooperation with renewed vigour and focus. – March 23, 2025
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