RM1.24 BLN POTENTIAL EXPORT TO PERU GENERATED - PM ANWAR

By M. Saraswathi

LIMA (Peru), Nov 16 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's maiden official visit to Peru has generated potential exports worth RM1.24 billion (US$0.3 billion), particularly in high potential sectors on the initiative of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

Anwar said the Peruvian companies expressed interest in importing Malaysia's steel and glass construction materials, medical equipment and products, palm oil, chemicals, and food and beverage products.

"We will also take follow-up actions on logistics cooperation, especially in port-related matters, which are equally important to facilitate exports between the two countries,” he said.

He said this during the exit press conference with the Malaysian media covering the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Week (AELW), which ends on Saturday here. 

Anwar, who is also Finance Minister, said he had held a meeting with 22 captains of industry and business leaders from 17 Peruvian companies representing several industries, including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and products, building materials, chemical-based products, health foods and consumer goods. 

So far, the companies have imported goods from Malaysia worth RM435.27 million (US$95.44 million), and the government will continue efforts to increase the value of Malaysian exports to Peru.

In terms of investment, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority has identified seven leading Peruvian manufacturing companies which are keen to explore investment opportunities in Malaysia, especially in the food processing, integrated logistics services and pharmaceutical sectors.

He said follow-up actions will be taken to realise all those intentions as soon as possible.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) also took note of the participation of 16 private companies and government-linked companies from Malaysia in the Prime Minister's official visit. 

Anwar said they also attended a roundtable meeting with Peruvian captains of industry to explore various opportunities for business collaboration, thereby strengthening trade relations and expanding bilateral investments between Malaysia and Peru. 

On the sidelines of APEC-related meetings, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz also held bilateral meetings with economy ministers from Singapore, Japan and New Zealand. 

Discussions with Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Trade Relations Grace Fu touched on the preparations for the Singapore-Malaysia Annual Leaders' Retreat, which will take place on Dec 8-9, 2024, as well as Malaysia's preparations and priorities for the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025. 

“With Japan Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Muto Yoji (appointed in October 2024), I discussed Malaysia's preparations for the World Expo 2025 in Osaka as a platform to strengthen economic cooperation between Malaysia and Japan,” Tengku Zafrul said. 

The discussion with Yoji also involved Malaysia's priorities in the energy and green sectors, which are among the focus sectors of Japan.

Tengku Zafrul said the meeting with New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay centred on regional and bilateral free trade agreements, the current geopolitical situation, and mutual recognition of halal certification.

-- BERNAMA