Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is poised to embark on an official visit to Italy, France, and Brazil from July 1 to July 7, with his itinerary including participation at the 17th BRICS Summit. These visits aim to fortify Malaysia’s diplomatic and trade relations with these key economic hubs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Senior Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, announced that the visits to Rome, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro are designed to enhance bilateral trade, which collectively reached RM50.91 billion (USD11.14 billion) last year. The mission seeks to tap into rapid growth in sectors such as economy, culture, technology, and education.
In Italy, Prime Minister Anwar is scheduled to meet his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, to further economic cooperation and initiate joint cultural projects. A Business Roundtable will bring together industry leaders from both nations, while dialogues with local Muslim community leaders and meetings with the Malaysian diaspora will emphasize people-to-people connections.
During his visit to France, Prime Minister Anwar is set to meet President Emmanuel Macron to discuss trade, technology, and education. He will also participate in a roundtable with French industrial leaders, engage with local Muslim leaders, meet Malaysian citizens, and deliver a public lecture at Sorbonne University on July 4.
From July 5 to 7, Prime Minister Anwar will attend the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, at the invitation of President Luiz In¡cio Lula da Silva. Malaysia’s role as a BRICS Partner Country and the upcoming ASEAN Chair for 2025 will underscore the country’s commitment to multilateralism, AI governance, climate action, and global health, representing the aspirations of over 650 million ASEAN citizens.
Tunku Nashrul noted that the Prime Minister will be accompanied by a business delegation including major Malaysian corporations and innovative enterprises. Some companies already have business interests in Italy, France, or Brazil, while others aim to explore new investment opportunities. This collaboration ensures government-to-government negotiations are bolstered by business-to-business partnerships, expanding markets and solidifying Malaysia’s strategic presence.
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) manages the business delegation, overseeing investment, trade, and industrial affairs with the Prime Minister’s approval. This practice involves the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) in facilitating industry players forming investments or joint ventures.
Prominent business delegates include Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Sunway, and Maybank. The Prime Minister and his team are expected to return on July 9, proceeding immediately to the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
Tunku Nashrul emphasized the MADANI Government’s aspirations for the meetings in Rome, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro to deepen friendships, boost trade, and unlock new opportunities for Malaysians and ASEAN citizens. He also called for Malaysians’ prayers and support for successful negotiations and outcomes benefiting all segments of society.