MALAYSIA AIMS TO DOUBLE EXPORTS TO FINLAND BY 2030

From Zufazlin Baharuddin

HELSINKI, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- Malaysia aims to double exports to Finland by 2030 particularly in key sectors such as electronics, halal food and green construction materials.

Malaysia’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim in Helsinki, Al-Fadil Adam is optimistic that the export volume could increase significantly, supported by strong engagement in trade missions and ongoing efforts to adopt European Union (EU) regulatory standards.

“Malaysia’s bilateral trade relations with Finland remain steady and show promising potential, particularly in sectors aligned with sustainability, technology and niche exports. 

“The emphasis should be on quality, compliance and partnership to strengthen Malaysia’s position in the Finnish market,” he told the Bernama reporter attending the media programme “Climate Solutions from Finland”.

He said Malaysia’s total trade with Finland rose 1.5 per cent to RM953 million (US$220 million) in the first seven months of 2025 compared with the same period last year.

During the period, exports increased 21.3 per cent to RM440 million (US$101 million) while imports declined 11.1 per cent to RM512 million (US$117 million) compared with the corresponding period in 2024.

Malaysia’s main exports to Finland were electrical and electronic products (59.3 per cent), metal manufactures (8.9 per cent), rubber products (7.5 per cent), processed food (five per cent), and chemicals and chemical products (4.8 per cent).

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s main imports from Finland were manufactures of metal (26 per cent), chemicals and chemical products (21.1 per cent), electrical and electronic products (13.8 per cent), machinery, equipment parts (11.2 per cent) and processed food (10.4 per cent).

Moving forward, Al-Fadil said several initiatives are underway to deepen economic ties, including ongoing dialogues with trade missions, business delegations and potential bilateral agreements.

“The resumption of the Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement negotiation earlier this year represents a landmark moment in Malaysia’s economic partnership with the EU and presents an opportunity to boost our trade and investments.

“Besides, Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) which covers Finland via its office in the Netherlands, also plays a key role by offering market intelligence, export advisory services, business matching programmes and facilitating Malaysian participation in relevant trade fairs and expos,” he said.

In 2024, Finland was Malaysia’s 55th global trading partner, while Malaysia was Finland’s 33rd global trading partner.

Among the EU countries, Finland was Malaysia’s 15th trading partner, while among the ASEAN countries, Malaysia was Finland’s third largest trading partner.

-- BERNAMA