HAMBURG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today reiterated his call to rekindle discussions on the long-stalled Malaysia - European Union Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA).
Alluding to the strong economic ties enjoyed by Malaysia and Germany, he said the strength of the relationship is reflected by Malaysia being Germany's largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, and Germany being Malaysia's largest trading partner in Europe.
"I believe that the strength of our bilateral relationship should carry over to further regional integration. Based on mutual trust, the time is ripe for us to rekindle discussions on the Malaysia-EU Free Trade Agreement.
"With this, Europe will be able to capitalise on Malaysia as a gateway to Asia, leveraging on open market policies facilitated by the Asean Free Trade
Agreement, RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership)," he said.
Anwar was delivering the ceremonial address at the 101st Ostasiatisches Liebesmahl (East Asia Friendship Dinner), hosted by the OAV German Asia-Pacific Business Association (OAV) at the Hamburg City Hall.
Also in attendance were International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysian ambassador to Germany Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin, and Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher, among others.
The MEUFTA was among the issues discussed by Anwar during his recent meeting with German vice-chancellor Robert Habeck, who is also Germany's federal minister for economic affairs and climate action.
Negotiations on the MEUFTA were formally launched on Oct 5, 2010, with eight rounds of negotiations between Dec 2010 and Sept 2012.
However, the negotiations reached an impasse in 2012 as both sides had exhausted their negotiating options at that time.
Anwar said Malaysia's trading ties with Germany can be traced back to the 1800s, when Hamburg's Behn Meyer ventured into Penang to trade tin and rice across the Indian Ocean and beyond.
"Over two centuries later, total German-Malaysian trade has skyrocketed to more than 12 billion Euros," he said.
He said more than 700 German businesses have set up base in Malaysia to leverage on its strategic location in the heart of Asia Pacific.
Anwar said he was honoured to host German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on his state visit to Malaysia last year, the first in 26 years, which underscored the increasing importance of Malaysia to Germany's geostrategic priorities.
"In this regard, we must continue to work hand-in-hand, be proactive rather than reactive to global shifts, and collectively champion convergence rather than divergence," he said.
Anwar said Malaysia's comparative strengths as a hub for global commerce, manufacturing, and business rests on sturdy and firm pillars.
Malaysia, he said, is a thriving democracy that places transparency, accountability and governance at its forefront.
He said since taking office as prime minister, the government has embarked on a drive towards substantive structural reforms.
He said this will directly benefit businesses and investors by easing the costs of doing business, building faith in the Malaysian system, and ultimately, ensuring the long-term viability of investments.
"Malaysia is not just open for business, but is ready to collaborate, innovate and partner in high-quality ventures that align with its national goals and responsibilities," he said.
Anwar said Malaysia's principled position of non-alignment puts it in good stead to conduct trade and commerce with the East and the West.
He dismissed those who insisted on harping on past rivalries and raising the spectre of imminent war.
He said the main imperative for those in Southeast Asia, especially Malaysia,
remains development, trade, and growth, strengthening resilience against geopolitical fluctuations.
He said this allows Malaysia to export its energy without undue geopolitical concerns.
Malaysia, he added, is ready to support Germany's energy transition through natural gas as a transitional fuel.
"This will balance Germany's immediate energy security needs with long-term sustainability goals."