MALAYSIA is set to strengthen its strategic ties with France across several key sectors, including aerospace, semiconductors, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said during an official visit to Paris on Thursday.
Addressing members of the Malaysian diaspora in France, Anwar said: “We will find ways to explore this. In fact, we have expanded our ties over the years, from not just buying products such as planes but also supplying parts for their manufacturing.”
Anwar is due to hold a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace, where discussions will centre on trade, investment, defence cooperation, education, the digital economy and other mutual priorities.
“In the past, we bought a lot of planes from Airbus and Boeing. Now we have companies producing parts for these plane manufacturers in Malaysia,” he added, underlining the nation’s expanding contribution to global high-tech supply chains.
He noted that Malaysia remains a preferred destination for high-value investments in the electrical and electronics (E&E) sector and urged Malaysian students in France to return home upon completing their studies to support national development.
“Malaysia depends greatly on young talent to shape a more brilliant and competitive future. Success is not just a personal achievement, but a responsibility to contribute to family, society and the nation,” he said.
Bernama cited that Anwar was accompanied by several senior cabinet ministers, including Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin, and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
France is among Malaysia’s top five trading partners within the European Union. In 2024, total bilateral trade amounted to RM15.95 billion (USD 3.63 billion), with RM6.26 billion (USD 1.49 billion) recorded in the first five months of the year.
Speaking at the gathering with the Malaysian diaspora in Paris in conjunction with his two-day visit to France, Anwar reiterated that Malaysia continues to be a top destination for high-tech industries such as electrical and electronics (E&E).
In his address, he emphasised that Malaysia relies heavily on young talent to shape a brighter and more competitive future.
“I advised them to pursue their studies with full commitment, as success in any field is not merely a personal achievement but also a responsibility to contribute to one’s family, community, and the nation,” Anwar said in a Facebook post today.
Malaysia needs a generation that is excellent, principled, and prepared to shoulder great responsibilities. Be the agents of change who will lead the country’s progress towards a more illustrious future.
He added: “I also shared the Malaysian government’s ongoing efforts under the MADANI administration to implement comprehensive reforms, encompassing inclusive economic growth, governance rooted in integrity, and social justice that upholds the dignity of every segment of society.
Malaysia strengthens Bilateral ties with Canada
In a separate development, Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening ties with Canada during a telephone call with Prime Minister Mark Carney, following the recent victory of the Liberal Party in Canada’s federal election.
“I welcome the continued involvement of Petronas in the LNG Canada project, which is a strong symbol of our energy cooperation and holds potential as a catalyst for future green initiatives and energy transition,” Anwar said.
The Prime Minister also underscored Malaysia’s continued support for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), calling for closer collaboration with Canada in promoting open, inclusive, and rules-based trade.
Bernama cited that Anwar expressed hope that Canada would consider reinstating visa-free entry for Malaysians, in line with the treatment extended to other Commonwealth nations, to deepen people-to-people engagement.
“We also underscored the importance of strengthening the ASEAN–Canada Strategic Partnership, and hope the ASEAN–Canada Free Trade Agreement negotiations can be concluded swiftly for mutual benefit,” he added.
Anwar extended an invitation to Prime Minister Carney to undertake an official visit to Malaysia in the near future to further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
“We will find ways to explore this. In fact, we have expanded our ties over the years, from not just buying products such as planes but also supplying parts for their manufacturing,” he said on Thursday. - July 4, 2025
