Malaysia Gaining Strategic Importance For Italy - Ambassador

KUALA LUMPUR, June 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is a country of growing strategic importance to Italy, and  this priority is clearly reflected in the strength of bilateral economic relations, said Ambassador of Italy to Malaysia Raffaele Langella. 

He said Italian companies are looking at Malaysia with increasing confidence, not only as a market but as a strategic partner and a regional hub. 

“A few weeks from now, a business mission led by Confindustria with more than 50 Italian companies will come to Malaysia to explore new opportunities and deepen partnerships,” he said, in his speech during Italy's 80th National Day reception here on Thursday. 

Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang represented the Malaysian government at the reception.

According to Langella, in 2025, bilateral trade between Italy and Malaysia grew by 6.3 per cent compared to the previous year, confirming the steady expansion of the economic partnership. 

“Italian exports to Malaysia remained at a consistently high level, while imports from Malaysia increased by 13.7 per cent, highlighting the growing dynamism and complementarity of our respective economies,” he said.

According to the ambassador, the friendship between Italy and Malaysia is built on trust, respect, and a shared belief in openness.

It is a friendship between two countries that are geographically distant but increasingly close in ambition, values, and vision, he added.

Langella is also optimistic that the bond between Italy and Malaysia will continue to grow, not only as a partnership of interests but as a friendship of peoples, ideas, and futures.

-- BERNAMA