Businesses Can Help Shape Malaysia, South Africa’s Economic Cooperation -- PM Anwar

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Businesses in Malaysia and South Africa have the opportunity to jointly shape the next chapter of the bilateral economic cooperation, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He 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 electric vehicle (EV) ecosystems, mining and minerals value chain integration, halal industry development, petrochemicals, agro-processing, renewable energy, digital technology, and logistics,” he said.

Anwar said this during the Business Forum with South African Captains of Industry here today, which saw participation from 200 companies.

Also present were South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Lilian Amelia Abrahams and Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz.

The event was also attended by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz and Malaysia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Datuk Yubazlan Yusof.

bootstrap slideshow

Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister, said Malaysian companies such as PROTON, Sime Darby, UEM Sunrise, Country Heights and MR D.I.Y. have already established their presence in South Africa, demonstrating confidence in the country’s market and growth trajectory.

“We welcome South African companies to explore further opportunities in Malaysia and across ASEAN as well. In this regard, Malaysia could be a strategic gateway connecting South Africa’s industrial capabilities with Asia’s demand, technologies, and high-growth value chains,” the Prime Minister said.

Anwar also highlighted that Malaysia’s economic transformation places sustainability at the core of industrial development. 

“We are advancing renewable energy, green technologies, hydrogen development, EV ecosystems, and circular economy initiatives," he said.

These pursuits align strongly with South Africa’s own priorities on energy transition and renewable energy. 

“There is vast room for collaboration in technology exchange, and co-investment in hydrogen, green mobility, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable mining solutions,” he added.

Anwar is currently on a four-day working trip to attend the G20 Leaders' Summit here, which starts tomorrow.

-- BERNAMA