LIMA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has conveyed the government’s readiness to collaborate with and assist the new Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) in Kuala Lumpur, whose establishment was announced by Hong Kong early this year.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar stated that this initiative will further strengthen the ties and cooperation between Malaysia and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). He made these remarks to reporters following a bilateral meeting with HKSAR chief executive John Lee Ka-chiu in Lima. During their meeting, the two leaders discussed potential collaborations in investment, trade, education, tourism, semiconductor, information technology, financial services, and fostering people-to-people relations.
Hong Kong extended an invitation to Malaysia to explore its transportation technology and to participate in the development of its science, technology, and innovation hub, which includes a science park. Also in attendance at the meeting were Forei
gn Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Malaysian Ambassador to Peru Ahmad Irham Ikmal Hisham.
Anwar’s visit to Peru is part of his attendance at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Week, where he also scheduled bilateral meetings with leaders from other APEC member economies. In February, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement highlighting the move to open the HKETO in Kuala Lumpur as a testament to the strong economic and trade ties between the HKSAR and Malaysia.
This initiative followed Anwar’s proposal to Lee during their bilateral meeting in Putrajaya in July 2023. The statement emphasized Malaysia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia and its role as a key partner for Hong Kong, as both sides aim to expand and deepen their existing trade, investment, and economic collaborations.
The partnership’s strength is reflected in the robust trade figures between the two regions. In 2023, total trade between Malaysia and Hong Kong amounted to RM105.09 billion (US$23.03 bil
lion), including exports worth RM89.84 billion (US$19.69 billion) and imports totaling RM15.25 billion (US$3.34 billion), with Malaysia enjoying a favorable trade balance.
Both regions have been actively engaging with each other through high-level visits. The establishment of the HKETO in Kuala Lumpur is seen as a significant development in Malaysia-Hong Kong relations and adds importance to the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties.