WTCKL strengthens Malaysia-France trade relations with strategic business opportunities

With a trade value of RM16.72 billion (EUR 3.41 billion) in 2023, France accounted for 8% of Malaysia’s total trade with the EU. – April, 3, 2025

Malaysia's location offers opportunities for collaboration across a variety of sectors, such as sustainable development, energy, climate change, education, research, security, and innovation

THE World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) is intensifying efforts to enhance Malaysia’s economic ties with European Union (EU) nations, particularly France, through a series of high-profile global networking events and business forums.

These initiatives are designed to align with Malaysia’s broader economic strategy of positioning itself as a prime investment destination while deepening trade partnerships with European countries.

WTCKL Group Managing Director Dato' Sri Dr. Irmohizam Ibrahim highlighted the growing potential for expanding bilateral trade and investment between Malaysia and the EU.

Dr. Irmohizam, who is also a Board Member of the World Trade Centers Association (WTCA), pointed out that Malaysia's strategic location in Southeast Asia offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration across a variety of sectors, such as sustainable development, energy, climate change, education, research, security, and innovation.

“Malaysia is strategically positioned to diversify its trade relationships. This opens the door for enhanced cooperation and investment, bolsters the service sector, and encourages more participation from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both regions,” he said.

In March 2024, the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) led a successful trade and investment mission to Germany and France, spearheaded by Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

The mission aimed to solidify economic ties and attract more investments from these key European markets. France, in particular, plays a vital role in Malaysia’s trade, ranking as the country’s third-largest trading partner within the EU.

With a trade value of RM16.72 billion (EUR 3.41 billion) in 2023, France accounted for 8% of Malaysia’s total trade with the EU.

Prominent French companies, including Airbus, Michelin, Institut de Soudure Groupe, Safran, and Simaero, were actively engaged with the Malaysian government during the mission, reinforcing their commitment to strengthening economic relations between the two nations.

Following that, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, Liew Chin Tong, highlighted the diverse nature of French investments in Malaysia, which span crucial sectors such as electrical and electronics (E&E), manufacturing, aeronautics, defence, retail, infrastructure, and services.

Looking ahead, Dr. Irmohizam pointed to the 55th annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF), scheduled for 6-9 April in Marseille, France, as a key event to generate further interest in Malaysia’s market.

The forum, hosted by the World Trade Center (WTC) Marseille Provence, will bring together over 300 participants from more than 50 countries, including influential leaders from business, government, and academia.

This year’s forum, themed “Gateway to the Mediterranean,” will facilitate vital business-to-business (B2B) exchanges and create investment opportunities across various sectors, including agriculture, banking, construction, manufacturing, health technology, energy services, and tourism.

“WTCA is committed to promoting free and fair trade, open markets, and healthy competition to drive prosperity and economic growth,” said John E. Drew, Chair of the WTCA Board of Directors.

“As global trade policies evolve amidst economic uncertainty, the WTCA GBF provides an invaluable platform for members to explore new markets and gain essential insights, supported by a robust B2B matchmaking programme.”

“This forum will also be instrumental in enhancing Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, providing a powerful platform for networking, sharing best practices, and exploring global opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs,” added Dr. Irmohizam.

The four-day event will feature a range of high-level discussions, including sessions on “Strategies for Success in an Evolving Marketplace,” “Free Trade Zones as Engines of Growth,” and “Navigating Trade, Real Estate, and Investment Trends in 2025.”

For the first time, the forum will include a Real Estate Summit, focusing on topics such as “World Trade Center Projects in Focus,” “Expanding the Real Estate Horizon: Innovation and Resilience,” and “FDI Trends Reshaping Real Estate & Infrastructure.” – April 3, 2025

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