PM Anwar Strengthens Bilateral Ties Germany Visit Elevates Business Relations

11 Mar, 2024

PM Anwar Strengthens Bilateral Ties Germany Visit Elevates Business Relations

Malaysian Ambassador to Germany, Datin Paduka Dr. Adina Kamarudin, disclosed the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Anwar to Germany, emphasizing the focus on enhancing bilateral ties and fostering business relationships. The Prime Minister is slated to engage in a bilateral meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and extend a courtesy call to President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

Dr. Adina highlighted the expected discussions on various bilateral and global issues during Anwar's meetings with the German leaders. The President had previously visited Malaysia, recognizing its significance for German companies to diversify their businesses, with over 700 German companies currently operating in Malaysia, generating 65,000 jobs.

Prime Minister Anwar's itinerary includes meetings with top industry leaders, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), vital to Germany's economy. The visit kicks off with a tour of the Siemens Energy plant in Huttenstrabe, emphasizing the company's focus on renewable energy. Anwar will also engage in a business roundtable with 30 industry captains and potential investors.

Dr. Adina addressed the attractiveness of Malaysia to German companies, citing incentives like customised tax benefits and the supportive role of agencies such as the Malaysia Investment Development Authority (MIDA). She anticipates discussions on palm oil exports and climate change during Anwar's meeting with Deputy Chancellor Robert Habeck.

Anwar's schedule includes interactions with the Malaysian diaspora, attendance at the 101st East Asia Friendship Dinner in Hamburg, and a speaking engagement at the Körber Foundation in Berlin. Dr. Adina mentioned Germany's interest in Southeast Asia due to the impact of the Ukraine war on the country.

Accompanying the Prime Minister are Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, and Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick. The visit strengthens Malaysia's longstanding trade relationship with Germany, reaching RM63.45 billion (US$13.90 billion) in 2023, a 5.9% increase from 2022.