Putrajaya: Malaysia and Macau are steadfast in their commitment to bolster bilateral relations and enhance strategic cooperation in key sectors such as trade and investment, finance, science and technology, education, and the convention and exhibition industry. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim emphasized this dedication during a recent meeting with Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Prime Minister, who also serves as Malaysia's Minister of Finance, highlighted the strategic positions of Macau and Hengqin as integral to this cooperation. These areas, connected to the Greater Bay Area (GBA), present Malaysian companies with substantial opportunities for business exploration.

The courtesy visit by Sam Hou Fai marked his first official trip to Malaysia since taking office as Macau's Chief Executive in December 2024. Anwar expressed enthusiasm over the signing of several business agreements between Malaysian and Macau companies, viewing these as catalysts for deeper economic collaboration.

Anwar pointed out the significance of Macau and Hengqin's locations within the GBA, advocating for their utilization by local businesses. This, he noted, could enhance Malaysia's role as a gateway for Macau enterprises aiming to penetrate the ASEAN market.

Discussions during the visit also ventured into expanding people-to-people connections through education and tourism, with a particular focus on halal and Muslim-friendly tourism sectors, aligning with the objectives of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

The Prime Minister reiterated Malaysia's readiness to translate its strengthening ties with Macau into practical cooperation, consistent with the Malaysia-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership's spirit. In 2025, trade between Malaysia and the Macao SAR reached RM367.7 million (USD85.8 million), marking a 73.6 percent increase from 2024.