Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia will continue to support the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as they are the backbone of the country and constitute the vast majority of businesses in Malaysia, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said at the Malaysia-Turkiye Business Forum here today that the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM), the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEiK) of Turkiye and both respective ministries of each country should give their focus on this second tier, to further innovate and be more creative to ensure that SMEs are given priority.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the importance of SMEs in national policies and masterplans, specifically in semiconductors, where the strategy is based on the supply chain, largely consisting of SMEs. “We can have all the conglomerates, but we can only succeed if we also focus on the SMEs in terms of effective supply chain and given the chance to expand,” Anwar said in his keynote address, which was attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In 2024, Turkiye emerged as Malaysia’s third largest trading partner, largest export destination, and fourth largest import source among West Asia countries. The total trade between Malaysia and Turkiye was recorded at RM24.13 billion (US$5.28 billion) in 2024, marking an 18.7 per cent increase from 2023.

Meanwhile, the prime minister acknowledged Erdogan as a leader committed to elevating Turkiye as a greater nation. Anwar expressed that Malaysia shares this vision and that the synergy between Turkiye and ASEAN is beneficial due to the unparalleled collaboration, trust, and friendship among ASEAN leaders.

Anwar highlighted ASEAN as the most peaceful region and one of the fastest-growing economies globally, presenting vast opportunities for collaboration in areas such as energy and digitalisation. He cited the ASEAN Energy Grid and the digitalisation efforts across the region as examples of successful initiatives.

He also mentioned the cooperation between Malaysia and Thailand to enhance the economy and security in southern Thailand’s vulnerable areas. Additionally, the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) stands as a unique collaboration aimed at mutual promotion and development.

Anwar concluded by noting Turkiye’s dealings with Malaysia to expand its market and foster collaboration with other ASEAN countries. President Erdogan arrived in Malaysia on Monday for a two-day official visit, accompanied by First Lady Emine Erdogan.