Malaysia a bridge to Asia for South Africa’s industries, says PM

Investment, trade, and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, South Africa’s deputy trade, industry and competition minister Alexandra Abrahams, and federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa at the forum at Sandton Hotel, Johannesburg. (Bernama pic)JOHANNESBURG: Malaysia can serve as a strategic gateway linking South Africa’s industrial strengths to Asia’s markets, technologies, and rapidly expanding value chains, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.Anwar said South Africa is not only Malaysia’s key partner in Africa but also a strategic collaborator in shaping a more inclusive global economic future.“We welcome South African companies to explore further opportunities in Malaysia and across Asean as well. Malaysia could be a strategic gateway connecting South Africa’s industrial capabilities with Asia’s demand, technologies, and high-growth value chains,” he said at a business forum with South African captains of industry at Sandton Hotel here today.Also in attendance were investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz and federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and South Africa’s deputy trade, industry and competition minister Alexandra Abrahams.Anwar highlighted South Africa’s diversified industrial base, supported by strong logistics, sophisticated financial systems, and a skilled workforce as providing an excellent foundation for deeper collaboration.“We see strong potential in high-value sectors including automotive and EV ecosystems, mining and minerals value chain integration, halal industry development, petrochemicals, agro-processing, renewable energy, digital technology, and logistics,” he added.Abrahams said South Africa’s exports to Malaysia in 2024 reached approximately US$716 million, while imports from Malaysia stood at around US$859 million.“Today, our bilateral trade stands at an estimated US$1.7 billion. These figures reflect steady growth, but they remind us that we are only at the beginning of what this partnership can truly become,” she said.She said South Africa offers Malaysian firms a powerful platform into the continent with modern infrastructure, stable financial systems, and preferential access to the continental free trade area, a market of approximately 1.4 billion people.“Likewise, Malaysian investors bring world class expertise, manufacturing excellence, connectivity across Asean and Asia Pacific,” she said.Abrahams said Malaysia’s leadership in renewable energy, emerging technologies and efficiency solutions complement South Africa’s ambitions to expand its economy and diversify its energy links.“Malaysia’s strengths and advances in manufacturing align closely with Africa’s industrial policy objectives, including export diversification,” she said, saying that investment private sector partnerships will unlock further opportunities.“Let us forge partnerships that generate jobs, advance information, and uplift communities across both regions, keeping our people and your people at the center of everything we do,” she said.Anwar is currently on a working visit to South Africa, following an official trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He will next travel to Nairobi, Kenya, for an official visit.

MatchPoint Times

Malaysia a bridge to Asia for South Africa’s industries, says PM

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