Malaysia (Commonwealth Union)_ Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s investment and trade missions, along with official visits to nine nations between January and March 2023, have garnered significant attention and potential economic benefits for Malaysia. These visits have generated an estimated potential investment of RM184.73 billion and potential exports of RM3.22 billion for the country. According to Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah Affairs, Sarawak, and Special Duties), the prime minister and the government delegation paid visits to Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Turkey, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Cambodia, and China.
According to the parliament website, “The main mission of the prime minister during the visit was to convince potential investors to invest in Malaysia while strengthening, deepening, and expanding bilateral cooperation between Malaysia and the countries visited, especially in the cultural and tourism sectors, towards promoting closer ties among the people and sustainable socio-economic growth as well as fostering a closer understanding between the countries”. Armizan was responding to a query posed by Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man (PN-Kubang Kerian), who wished to know the total cost incurred by the government for the prime minister’s visits to foreign nations from January to March 2023, as well as the actual investment proceeds generated by these trips.
Armizan further highlighted that official visits and international conferences serve as excellent platforms to promote Malaysia and provide the international business community with current information about Malaysia’s economic status and business environment. Further, various programs were also conducted during these visits, including closed-door meetings with potential investors, seminars, and roundtable conferences. These activities aimed to facilitate productive discussions and foster business collaborations.
When the prime minister paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia from March 22 to 24, significant milestones were achieved. He was present during the signing and exchange of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between Malaysian and Saudi firms. These MoUs encompassed collaboration in the production of chips for semiconductors, including the establishment of factories in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the agreements covered training aspects for pilgrims from 23 Asian nations. The estimated investment cost for these initiatives amounted to US$50 million.
Furthermore, during his official visit to Cambodia, the prime minister led the signing of two MoUs between the governments of Malaysia and Cambodia. These agreements aimed to facilitate the employment of foreign workers in both the formal and domestic sectors, strengthening labor cooperation between the two nations. The investments and potential economic benefits resulting from these visits underline the significance of such diplomatic endeavors. It is evident that these visits have provided invaluable opportunities to showcase Malaysia’s economic potential, attract investment, and foster international collaboration for the country’s sustained growth and development. These efforts signify Malaysia’s commitment to engaging with foreign countries and promoting mutually beneficial partnerships.
