DESCIRBED as a vital platform for dialogue and partnership, Malaysia reaffirmed its commitment to deepening trade and investment relations with the Maldives at a forum in Kuala Lumpur today.
Speaking at the Malaysia-Maldives Business Forum, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said it aims to open long-term commercial engagement opportunities for both countries.
Welcoming Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Minister Mohamed Saeed, and the accompanying Maldivian delegation to the event, the Minister expressed enthusiasm in hosting the high-level visit and highlighted the importance of the gathering as a meaningful step in strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations.
“Today’s forum marks a significant step forward in strengthening the trade and investment relations between our two countries, and I am equally delighted to meet with the business community from Maldives,” he said, adding, the forum aims to open long-term commercial engagement opportunities for both countries.
Tengku Zafrul said, in 2024, the Maldives emerged as Malaysia’s sixth-largest trading partner, export destination, and import source in South Asia. Bilateral trade reached RM862.7 million last year, a 4.3% increase from the previous year—reflecting growing confidence and cooperation between the two business communities.
However, Malaysia underscored the need to diversify and elevate this economic engagement further, identifying the Maldives as not only a partner but a strategic gateway to opportunities in the broader Indian Ocean region.
“Amidst US policy uncertainties, it is crucial that we strengthen our economic partnership. Leveraging cultural similarities, I’m confident we can build a robust collaboration. The Maldives, the jewel of the Indian Ocean, offers vast opportunities for Malaysian investors.”
Particular emphasis was placed on the Maldivian tourism sector, which aligns closely with Malaysia’s expertise in hospitality, tourism infrastructure, halal food and beverage, healthcare, and eco-tourism. Discussions also included potential partnerships in green and sustainable energy sectors.
“We are already witnessing the positive footprint of Malaysian companies such as Secret Recipe, the Manhattan Fish Market, and Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare in the Maldives. I encourage more Malaysian businesses to seize this momentum and tap into the investor-friendly environment in the Maldives.”
“Given the Maldives’ status as a Muslim-majority country and Malaysia’s global leadership in the halal industry, there is significant potential for collaboration in areas such as halal certification and the export of halal goods and services, including Islamic finance, pharmaceuticals, and food production,” he added.
Malaysia’s Halal Industry Master Plan 2030 was cited as a key policy roadmap, with expectations that the Maldives could play a regional role in its execution. Delegates were also invited to participate in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) from 17 to 20 September 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.
In a significant move to institutionalise bilateral business collaboration, the forum also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Maldives. The MoU established the Malaysia-Maldives Joint Business Council.
“We believe this Joint Council will serve as a bridge between our business communities, enabling dialogue, identifying opportunities, and supporting ventures that bring mutual benefits to both countries.”
Alos in attendance were Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, His Excellency Dr Abdulla Khaleel Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Moosa Zameer Minister of Finance and Planning, Her Excellency Dr. Mariyam Shabeena Ahmed High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives to Malaysia, Dato' Seri N Gobalakrishnan President of the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM). - April 28, 2025
