ADDIS ABABA: With trade ties still at an infancy stage, Malaysia is eager to tap the vast potential Ethiopia has to offer through stronger collaboration and partnerships, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia has an advantage in exploring what Ethiopia has to offer, thanks to the 60 years of diplomatic relations forged between the two countries.
He said trade and investment partnerships will be both government-driven and from the private sector.
“During my discussions with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, both of us agreed to do more to boost trade between our two countries and we are committed to bring relations to a new chapter.
“We concurred that we need to explore all possibilities and avenues to see stronger cooperation between Malaysia and Ethiopia in all areas,” Anwar told Malaysian media at the end of his three-day visit.
The Prime Minister said Addis Ababa’s strategic location, where the African Union headquarters is based, also serves as key consideration as to why Malaysia needs to boost its trade with Ethiopia.
Among key areas where Malaysia and Ethiopia can potentially explore cooperation is property development, construction, infrastructure, logistics and transportation.
The Prime Minister said with the country growing economically fast, Malaysia is also eyeing other sectors such as the automotive industry, pharmaceuticals, furniture and the halal industry.
Anwar said the presence of 80 representatives from Malaysian companies on this trip reflects their keen interest in exploring possibilities available in Ethiopia.
“We want to see greater participation by Malaysian companies but it is important at this stage for the government to facilitate and for processes to be fast-tracked.”
Malaysia’s current key exports to Ethiopia are palm oil and palm oil-based products, and electrical and electronics products.
Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at RM446.8mil, with exports from Malaysia valued at RM358.6mil.
The Prime Minister also said the reopening of the Malaysian Embassy in Addis Ababa reflects the country’s confidence in Ethiopia’s administration and its potential.
The embassy was reopened on Sept 23 after being closed for 43 years.
On his four-eyed meeting with Abiy Ahmed, Anwar said Malaysia is ready to open access for products for export to Ethiopia and proposed a tariff review for Malaysian palm oil products, which have gained popularity in the Ethiopian market.
Other products include chicken, bird’s nest and poultry feed, in addition to offering expertise in oil palm cultivation and quality seedlings.
Aside from trade and investment, Anwar said both he and Abiy Ahmed agreed to expand cooperation in tourism, education, health, research and TVET.
Anwar also expressed appreciation for Ethiopia’s support for Malaysia’s aspiration to join BRICS and congratulated the country on being selected to host the COP32 Climate Summit in 2027, a major recognition of its leadership in the global green agenda.
The Prime Minister also held a meeting with the African Union Commission chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf where he stressed on the importance of strong relations between Malaysia, Asean and the Union.
Anwar is now in South Africa to attend the G20 Summit.
