PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will arrive in South Korea tomorrow for a working visit to participate in the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week, where Malaysia will highlight its priorities on strengthening supply chains, developing the digital economy, and promoting sustainable regional cooperation.
"Malaysia will emphasise the importance of inclusive economic growth and mutually beneficial cooperation," said Malaysia’s Ambassador to South Korea, Datuk Mohd Zamruni Khalid, at a press briefing ahead of Anwar’s visit from October 31 to November 1. "This aligns with the region’s aspiration to remain competitive."
Anwar will lead the Malaysian delegation alongside Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, supported by senior government officials.
This marks the Prime Minister’s second working visit to South Korea, following last year’s visit when bilateral relations were elevated to a strategic partnership covering defence, trade, energy, supply chains, and other sectors.
APEC member economies are a key trading partner for Malaysia, accounting for 78.1 per cent (RM2.06 trillion) of the country’s total trade in 2023, with exports at RM1.13 trillion and imports at RM930 billion.
"APEC helps shape global trade direction through standards aligned with OECD benchmarks," Zamruni noted.
During the visit, Malaysia expects to advance the Malaysia-South Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA), pending approval from South Korea’s National Assembly.
"Compared to other countries that already have FTAs with South Korea, their trade volume is lower than what Malaysia has achieved. So, we can anticipate even greater growth once this FTA is approved," he said.
Malaysia-South Korea trade reached US$24 billion last year, marking the fourth consecutive year above US$20 billion.
The FTA is expected to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, and strategic sectors including digital technology and artificial intelligence, following discussions between Anwar and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung earlier this week in Kuala Lumpur. - October 29, 2025
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