Malaysia is enhancing its partnership with Thailand in trade, investment, and tourism, according to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at the Madani breaking of fast programme at Seri Perdana Complex on Thursday, Anwar expressed his anticipation to collaborate with Thailand’s Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin in various other areas. He mentioned that efforts are underway to strengthen ties through the Foreign Ministry and enhance collaborations within Asean and with neighbouring countries.
Notably, Thailand ranked as Malaysia’s seventh-largest trading partner globally in 2023, with trade valued at RM113.16bil (US$24.83bil). Anwar highlighted ongoing efforts with Singapore to finalize the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), with a joint agreement set to be signed by the end of the year. He emphasized the mutual benefits this initiative would bring to both south Malaysia and Singapore.
The Economy Ministry recently announced plans for Malaysia and Singapore to seal the joint agreement at the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Leaders’ Retreat later this year. Anwar, who also serves as Finance Minister, underlined Malaysia’s commitment to expanding and deepening collaborations within Asean, particularly in areas like energy transition, digital transformation, public health, and education.
In 2023, Malaysia’s key trading partners included Asean, China, the United States, the European Union, and Japan, collectively accounting for 67.7% of the country’s total trade. During the event, Anwar engaged in a breaking of fast session with 300 guests from Maahad Tahfiz Sulaimaniyah, Kajang, in addition to ambassadors, foreign representatives, and international organizations. – Bernama
