Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and Turkiye need to collaborate in key sectors, including semiconductors, agri-commodities, electrical and electronics (E and E) as well as food and beverages (F and B) to achieve the US$10 billion (RM44.68 billion) bilateral trade target, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who is on a two-day official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Anwar, expressed Turkiye’s ambition to double its trade with Malaysia to US$10 billion after surpassing the US$5 billion (RM22.34 billion) mark in 2024. In response, Anwar acknowledged that while the target is ambitious, he believes Malaysia can facilitate Turkiye in achieving it.
Anwar stated that there is no reason why developing or emerging economies like Malaysia and Turkiye cannot increase their intra-trade. He emphasized the need to work in key fields such as semiconductors, agri-commodities, E and E, and F and B, while also highlighting the importance of cooperation in the defence sector and technology exchange. Anwar made these remarks during a joint press conference with Erdogan, which was broadcast live.
Anwar called for continued collaboration with Turkiye in sectors such as energy, particularly with state-owned oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and related firms, halal industries, healthcare, digital technology, and disaster management. He praised Turkiye’s transformation of its airline and airport management, urging the sharing of its best practices.
Meanwhile, Erdogan noted that his recent discussions with Anwar examined opportunities for cooperation in fields such as industry and technology, energy, tourism and commerce, as well as culture and education. He emphasized that they have focused extensively on concrete steps to be taken forward and highlighted Turkiye’s determination to sustain its momentum in the defence industry through technology transfer and joint manufacturing. Erdogan assured that Turkish companies are ready to share their expertise and products with Malaysia for mutual benefit.
On the US$10 billion trade target with Malaysia, Turkiye’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, Erdogan expressed hope that the upcoming Business Forum would serve as an opportunity to unveil new cooperation models and investment projects.