The Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur was the venue for a high-profile meeting between Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Qasabi, the Saudi Minister of Commerce. The discussions, which took place on Monday, were aimed at strengthening collaborative efforts and identifying new partnership opportunities within key sectors.
Joining the reception were prominent figures such as Dr. Eman bin Habbas Al-Mutairi, Vice Minister of Commerce, Mesaad Ibrahim Abdullah Al-Sulaim, Saudi Ambassador to Malaysia, and Tengku Zafrul Aziz, the Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry. Together, they explored various avenues for deepening bilateral relations and implementing governmental joint programs.
Dr. Al-Qasabi’s visit to Malaysia was marked by his leadership of a significant Saudi delegation comprising 44 officials and prominent private sector representatives. The delegation’s mission was to fortify trade in goods and services and to inaugurate the Saudi-Malaysian Business Council, which is expected to serve as a catalyst for an enhanced economic partnership.
Over the two-day visit, Al-Qasabi engaged with a number of Malaysian officials, including Dr. Zambry Abdul Kadir, Minister of Higher Education; Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation; Dr. Sulaiman Mahbob, Chairman of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA); Dato’ Sri Reezal, Chairman of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE); and Shaharul Sadri Alwi, Director-General of the Department of Standards. The discussions revolved around mutual business support, export encouragement, and collaborative efforts towards innovation, emerging technologies, and e-commerce.
The collaborative efforts culminated in a joint participation by the Saudi and Malaysian ministers at the launch event of the Saudi-Malaysian Business Council.
Dr. Al-Qasabi highlighted the transformative progress of Saudi Arabia’s economy under Vision 2030 and pointed out the significant room for growth in trade relations with Malaysia. As the Kingdom positions itself as a global trading and logistical hub, the opportunities for diversification and expansion of bilateral trade are immense.