JOHANNESBURG: Malaysia can be a strategic gateway connecting South Africa’s industrial capabilities with Asia’s demand, technologies and high-growth value chains, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said South Africa’s diversified industrial base, supported by strong logistics, sophisticated financial systems and a skilled workforce, provides an excellent foundation for deeper collaboration.
“We see strong potential in high-value sectors including automotive and EV ecosystems, mining and minerals value, chain integration, halal industry development, petrochemicals, agro-processing, renewable energy, digital technology, and logistics,” he said at a business forum with South Africa’s Captains of Industry on Friday (Nov 21).
“We welcome South African companies to explore further opportunities in Malaysia and across Asean,” he said
Describing South Africa as Malaysia’s long-standing trading partner on the continent, the Prime Minister said his visit marks an important milestone for Malaysia as it deepens engagement with the former.
“Today’s forum is therefore timely. South Africa is not only Malaysia’s key partner in Africa but also a strategic collaborator in shaping a more inclusive global economic future,” he added.
Anwar said Malaysia also appreciates the support extended by South Africa as it joined BRICS as a partner country last year.
“We look forward to deeper collaboration in sustainable development, digital economy, financial cooperation, and trade facilitation.
“At the WTO (World Trade Organisation) and other multilateral fora, Malaysia and South Africa share common interests in strengthening an inclusive, fair, rules-based global trading system that supports emerging economies,” the Prime Minister said.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Trade, Industry and Competition deputy minister Alexandra Abrahams said President Cyril Ramaphosa’s visit to Malaysia last year yielded a new determination on both sides to revitalise trade and economic relationships and a commitment to strengthen cooperation in various sectors.
“President Ramaphosa described the trip as a new boost to our partnership, placing South Africa firmly back on Malaysia’s economic and trade map.
"And likewise (we are) re-evaluating Malaysia on to South Africa’s agenda,” she said.
She highlighted trade investment statistics between Malaysia and South Africa to reflect the progress and potential of both countries.
In 2024, South Africa’s exports to Malaysia stood at US$715.8mil while Malaysia’s exports to South Africa totalled US$838.9mil
Bilateral trade for both countries stood at US$1.7bil.
“These figures show steady growth and remind us that we are only at the beginning of what this partnership can become,” she said.
