JOHANNESBURG: Malaysia is committed to strengthening economic and technological cooperation with South Africa, including in the semiconductor sector, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
He said Malaysia is prepared to finalise and sign several key documents with South Africa, including memoranda of understanding on economic and industrial cooperation, halal certification, agriculture, green energy, technology, research, and education – including technical and vocational education and training (TVET).
Malaysia is also exploring enhanced cooperation in defence and trade, including beef supply, as well as in science and innovation, said Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister.
“I have also offered space and incentives at the Malaysia Integrated Circuit (IC) Design Park for South African companies to participate in Malaysia’s semiconductor value chain,” he said in a statement after paying a courtesy call on South African President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa here today.
During the meeting, Anwar also extended his congratulations to South Africa for becoming the first African nation to assume the Group of 20 (G20) presidency.
“We also reviewed the progress and status of bilateral relations following President Ramaphosa’s official visit to Putrajaya last October,” he said.
Anwar said South Africa’s G20 Presidency theme, “Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability”, aligns with Malaysia’s priorities as Asean Chair in 2025, particularly in strengthening disaster resilience, ensuring debt sustainability, and financing a just and sustainable energy transition.
Anwar is on a four-day working visit to South Africa beginning yesterday, to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg as Ramaphosa’s guest.
The Prime Minister was invited to attend the summit, which runs from tomorrow until Nov 23, in Malaysia’s capacity as Asean Chair for the year.
He is accompanied by Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Zaliha Mustafa, Malaysian government officials and a business delegation.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
