Anwar to lead trade missions to Italy, France, Brazil

Free Malaysia Today

20 hours ago

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's visit is expected to strengthen Malaysia's diplomatic and trade relations with the three nations. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will undertake an official visit to Italy, France and Brazil from tomorrow until July 7, which will include his participation at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
Senior press secretary to the prime minister Tunku Nashrul Abaidah said the visits to these major economic hubs – Rome, Paris and Rio de Janeiro – would strengthen Malaysia's diplomatic ties and trade relations with the three nations.
He said the three markets collectively recorded bilateral trade valued at RM50.91 billion last year, Bernama reported.
'The visits present opportunities for rapid growth in sectors such as the economy, culture, technology and education,' he said during the Prime Minister's Office daily briefing.
Anwar will also meet withy Malaysians and Muslim leaders during his visits.
In Italy, he is slated to hold a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, to advance economic cooperation and pioneer joint cultural initiatives.
In France, he is scheduled to meet with President Emmanuel Macron, with discussions focusing on trade, technology and education.
Anwar will be in Rio de Janeiro from July 5 to 7, during which he will attend the 17th BRICS Summit at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
'Malaysia's role as a BRICS partner country and Asean chair for 2025 will emphasise the importance of multilateralism,' said Tunku Nashrul.
Anwar will be accompanied by a business delegation, including representatives from major corporations and innovative enterprises.
'Some companies already have operations or business interests in Italy, France or Brazil, while others are exploring new investment opportunities to expand their global networks,' Tunku Nashrul said.
Among those joining Anwar are representatives from Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas), Khazanah Nasional Bhd, Sunway, and Maybank.
Anwar and his delegation are expected to return home on July 9 and will proceed to attend the Asean Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Kuala Lumpur on the same day.
The delegation will be travelling on a chartered flight from Malaysia Airlines to proceed smoothly from one country to another without the need for long transits due to the packed travel itinerary.
'The cost of chartering the aircraft is also more economical compared to deploying a full government aircraft operation,' Tunku Nashrul said.
He said the government will fully cover travel costs for official delegates, while the business delegates will bear their own expenses.