PUTRAJAYA, Jan 12 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has expressed satisfaction over the “active and dynamic” trade relations between Malaysia and Germany, according to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
This took place during the bilateral discussion between Anwar and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock at Perdana Putra today.
Mohamad, who was also present during the hour-long meeting, said the Prime Minister is very happy about the progress of trade relations between the two countries, whereby Malaysia is Germany’s main trade partner among Asean countries, with annual bilateral trade reaching US$13 billion (RM60.42 billion).
“The yearly growth (in trade) clearly shows active and dynamic trade relations,” he told the press after Anwar received the courtesy visit from Baerbock.
Germany has been Malaysia’s largest trade partner among European Union member states since 2000, while Malaysia is Germany’s biggest trade partner among Asean countries.
Trade figures reflect the two nations’ strong ties, with bilateral trade expanding 7.2 per cent to RM58.37 billion (US$12.81 billion) from January to November 2023, compared with the corresponding period the year before.
Baerbock’s maiden visit to Malaysia comes after German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s official visit to the country in February last year in seeking to enhance diplomatic relations.
Mohamad said investments by German companies in Malaysia have also shown positive development, with German semiconductor manufacturer Infineon recently announcing an operational expansion in Kulim, Kedah.
During today’s meeting, Anwar also conveyed to Germany that Malaysia, as a maritime and trading nation, wants to see the South China Sea remain a free trade route.
— Bernama
