MALAYSIA'S vast rare earth resources are emerging as a strategic opportunity to deepen economic ties with France, as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to reduce his country's dependence on limited sources of critical minerals.
Macron said diversifying rare earth supplies would be a key focus of his Nov 16-17 visit to Malaysia, with the minerals playing an important role in manufacturing magnets for electric motors and electronic devices.
"In Malaysia, I am coming specifically to diversify our rare earth supplies. We rarely talk about it, but it is extremely important for producing magnets used in electric motors and certain electronic devices," he said in a post on social media platform X yesterday.
The visit, his first to Malaysia since 2017, is expected to provide opportunities to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, particularly in securing alternative sources of strategic minerals.
Malaysia has significant potential in the non-radioactive rare earth elements (NR-REE) industry, with its market value estimated at between RM747.2 billion and RM809 billion.
Macron said having multiple sources of critical materials would help French manufacturers minimise supply chain vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of production disruptions.
"For our factories, having several sources of supply means reducing the risk of having to stop production lines because of a shortage of spare parts.
"It also means being able to invest and manufacture products in France with greater certainty about the future," he said.
He stressed that stronger international partnerships were essential to improving economic resilience and reducing dependence on limited sources of critical raw materials.
"More partners, less dependence. Our agreements open doors. Language, culture and friendship keep them open. This is good for our countries," he said.
Macron is visiting Malaysia after a trip to Cambodia, where he was accompanied by business leaders to explore new markets and strengthen economic ties through French-speaking communities.
He also highlighted opportunities for French expertise to support Cambodia's development, including its plans to establish wholesale market facilities based on the experience of Rungis International Market, the world's largest fresh produce wholesale market. - November 15, 2026
