EXIM BANK, EXPORT FINANCE AUSTRALIA FORGE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN INVESTMENT, TRADE

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Export Finance Australia (EFA) and Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Bhd (EXIM Bank Malaysia) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation and unlock new opportunities for investment across Southeast Asia.

In a joint statement, the parties said that under the strategic collaboration, they will explore co-financing and risk-sharing arrangements for projects of mutual interest.

The projects include infrastructure development, energy transition, digital economy, education, and healthcare, as well as providing a framework for knowledge exchange in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration, risk management, and product innovation.

“This partnership complements Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 (Invested) and Malaysia’s national development agendas, including the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030), National Energy Transition Roadmap, the 13th Malaysia Plan and the MADANI Economic framework,” the statement said.

The signing ceremony was formalised yesterday on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit 2025, which coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Australia.

Both parties emphasised that the MoU builds on EFA’s active role in supporting the Australian government’s implementation of Invested.

EFA has financing specialists on the ground in Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam as part of the Investment Deal Teams initiative and also administers the government’s AU$2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility.

“Together, these efforts help identify and support strategically important infrastructure projects and facilitate Australian businesses’ trade and investment across Southeast Asia, creating a strong foundation for the opportunities created under this MoU,” the statement said.

Looking ahead, EXIM Bank Malaysia will leverage its targeted programmes to operationalise this MoU next year, including the RM500 million Skim Eksport Lonjakan to scale up local exporters and the Malaysia Global Connect Go Export Cover Programme to protect businesses expanding into strategic markets.

These initiatives will accelerate the pipeline of joint EFA–EXIM opportunities and attract private investment. EXIM Bank Malaysia has exposure of over RM181 million to Australia, providing a strong foundation for future collaboration.

EFA managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) John Hopkins said the agreement represents another meaningful step in advancing Invested 2040, as it continues to strengthen ties with regional export credit agencies to unlock new investment opportunities.

Meanwhile, EXIM Bank Malaysia president and CEO Datuk Nurbayu Kasim Chang said through enhanced cooperation, the bank aims to open up new avenues for business, boost regional trade and investment, and support sustainable development across Southeast Asia.

“We are confident this collaboration will foster greater economic resilience and shared prosperity throughout the region.

“This partnership reflects EXIM Bank Malaysia’s commitment to expanding Malaysia’s global trade footprint while supporting impactful investments across the region. By strengthening ties with Export Finance Australia, we are opening new pathways for regional investment and trade, aligned with Malaysia’s MADANI Economic framework and NIMP 2030,” she added.

-- BERNAMA