Malaysian Embassy In Paris To Form Association To Boost Business Ties

By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Embassy in Paris plans to establish a business association for Malaysian entrepreneurs in France by the end of this year, aiming to build business ties and pave the way for new opportunities with one of Europe’s largest economies.

Malaysia’s Ambassador to France, Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd Hashim, said both Malaysia and France have complementary strengths that have the potential to create numerous opportunities for business cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.

“This is especially true in key areas such as aerospace and aviation, renewable energy and sustainable solutions, luxury goods, consumer products, infrastructure development, as well as healthcare and pharmaceuticals,” he said in an interview with Bernama via instant messaging.

He emphasised that the association would serve as a platform for entrepreneurs to leverage networking, resources, and growth opportunities, enabling members to organise business workshops, social events, and trade and investment seminars.

“Based on our data collection and my personal interactions, we are open to any Malaysian business entrepreneur in France, be it big companies, small and medium entrepreneurs, or restaurant owners.

“They are welcome to join the association, as this will bring everyone under one roof,” he said.

Eldeen Husaini also highlighted plans for the embassy to get the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), and Business France to be associated with the club, enhancing coordination and impact among members.

Capitalising on French expertise in aerospace, green technologies

France remains one of Malaysia’s top 10 trading partners within the European Union (EU), reflecting the growing significance of bilateral trade with the grouping’s economies.

Elaborating on the key areas, Eldeen Husaini said French expertise could support Malaysia in developing its aerospace industry, including manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, given that the country is a global leader in the industry with companies like Airbus having a strong and long presence in Malaysia.

“Malaysia can import aircraft parts and technologies from France while exporting components and providing MRO services to French companies,” he explained.

He also suggested that France could export solar panels, wind turbines, and other green technologies to Malaysia, while Malaysia could supply raw materials and components for renewable energy production.

As France is renowned for its luxury brands, Eldeen Husaini said Malaysian businesses could import high-end products to meet local demand.

Conversely, Malaysia’s natural resources make it an attractive supplier for France’s cosmetics and food industries.

Additionally, there are opportunities for joint ventures, such as providing manufacturing solutions or exporting medical gloves, raw materials, and other health-related products.

“France is a leader in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, offering advanced medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare services,” he noted, adding that Malaysia could benefit from this expertise.

Leveraging ASEAN chairmanship to attract more European investors

Eldeen Husaini also suggested that Malaysia leverage its upcoming chairmanship of ASEAN in 2025 to attract more European investments and strengthen ties with French businesses.

As Malaysia chairs the 45th ASEAN Summit, it will also host the ASEAN-Business Advisory Council and related meetings, providing a platform to foster greater economic cooperation with countries and regions outside ASEAN.

Laos is hosting the 44th summit this year, themed "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience."

Eldeen Husaini noted that ASEAN has long been a key platform for the 10 Southeast Asian nations to boost trade and investment while protecting the interests and sovereignty of each member country.

“At the same time, we are seeing increasing interest from global economic powers such as China, the United States, and the EU,” he said.

The ambassador said the increased interest in the Indo-Pacific region, including from France, has proven the EU is training its eyes on the ASEAN market, a move that will benefit the region in terms of trade and investment as well as other cooperative ventures such as security and artificial intelligence.

“It is for these reasons that Malaysia should leverage its chairmanship to gain momentum in inviting more investors to establish French connections and set up companies in Malaysia,” he added.

In 2023, France emerged as Malaysia's third-largest trading partner within the EU, with bilateral trade totalling 3.41 billion euros (one euro=RM4.77).

-- BERNAMA