ADDIS ABABA: Malaysia has reiterated its commitment to open new pathways for trade, investment and shared prosperity not just with Ethiopia but also with Africa at large.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said rapid, complex shifts brought about by geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related challenges have shown how important reliable partners are.
“Now is the time for nations to stand together to uphold stability, encourage open markets, and pursue inclusive, sustainable growth.
“Ethiopia, and Africa as a whole, are not just a partner for Malaysia or Southeast Asia, but a strategic collaborator in a rapidly changing world,” he said at the Malaysia-Ethiopia High Level Business Forum on Wednesday (Nov 19).
The Prime Minister noted that Malaysia’s economic engagement with Africa has grown steadily over the years, from telecommunications infrastructure to aviation services, education, agriculture, and energy.
“Ethiopia’s reforms, its logistics aspirations, and its young, dynamic workforce provide a strong foundation for deeper cooperation.
“We see real potential in high-growth sectors such as digital technology, renewable energy, agro-industry, infrastructure development, and Islamic finance.
“In fact, several Malaysian companies have already expressed interest in exploring Ethiopia as a strategic hub for East Africa, a reflection of confidence in Ethiopia’s growth trajectory," he added.
Anwar said as a trading country, Malaysia is deeply rooted in the rules-based multilateral system, as well in as high-standard trade frameworks.
“We actively seek to expand such frameworks networks. These platforms offer expanded market access and strong trading rules,opportunities that can be unlocked through Malaysia–Ethiopia partnerships," he said.
Anwar said Malaysia’s transformation agenda – driven by the Madani economy and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, places sustainability at the centre of our national development.
“We are advancing renewable energy, energy transition industries, electric mobility, and circular economy initiatives.
“These are precisely the forward-looking areas where meaningful and impactful collaboration can flourish between our two nations, through joint ventures, technology exchanges, and co-investments in climate-smart agriculture, clean energy, and green industrialisation,” he added.
The forum was attended by 80 business representatives from Malaysia and 54 from Ethiopia.
