Osaka: Malaysia concluded its six-month participation at Expo 2025 Osaka with a remarkable achievement, securing RM24.45 billion in potential trade and investments.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this accomplishment far exceeded the original target of RM13 billion by 188 percent, as announced by Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) Secretary-General Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob.
The RM24.45 billion encompasses RM5.62 billion in potential exports and RM12.79 billion in potential investments, which were the result of 1,555 business meetings. Additionally, over 70 memoranda of understanding, agreements, and cooperation, totaling RM6.04 billion, were signed. These agreements primarily targeted high-impact sectors such as semiconductors, renewable energy and green technology, environmental sustainability, agriculture, and education and training. Notably, the signing of MoUs with Japanese entities, including exchanges between the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), as well as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE)-JETRO MoC, underscored the expo’s role in facilitating stronger institutional connections and future-oriented projects.
The success extended beyond trade, as the Malaysia Pavilion welcomed a record-breaking 3.51 million visitors, surpassing the initial target of 1.5 million. Hairil Yahri noted that 84 percent of the 5,327 respondents expressed interest in visiting Malaysia in the future. This enthusiasm was reflected in the increase of Japanese visitors to Malaysia, with 219,389 recorded as of July 2025, marking a 16.2 percent rise from 2024.
With the positive momentum from the expo, Malaysia is optimistic about achieving its Visit Malaysia 2026 target of 47 million visitors, with significant contributions expected from Japanese tourists. Expo 2025 Osaka was held from April 13 to October 13, 2025, with the Malaysia Pavilion, themed ‘Weaving a Future in Harmony,’ highlighting the country’s commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and forward-looking future.
Distinguished attendees at the closing ceremony included the Malaysian Ambassador to Japan Datuk Shahril Effendi Abd Ghany, MATRADE CEO and Deputy Commissioner General Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz, and MIDA CEO and Deputy Commissioner General Datuk Sikh Shamsul Sikh Abdul Majid.