SAMARKAND, May 19 — Countries that are rapidly developing, such as those in Central Asia, have a strong potential to be Malaysia's strategic partners to increase mutual economic development through collaboration in various new areas.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, on an official visit to Central Asian countries Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan from May 14 to 19, said networking with these developing nations is vital in the current global environment.
"Countries such as China, Germany and the United States are big investors, and their investments will provide benefits such as job opportunities and training centres of excellence.
"But the strength of developing countries, especially Uzbekistan, is their network with mid-tier companies which will directly involve entrepreneurs and the middle-tier (in Malaysia)," he told the Malaysian media at the conclusion of his visit to Uzbekistan here today.
The prime minister said apart from this, international relationships and cooperation with developing countries are vital as Malaysia needs staunch friends to avoid being pressured by any powers.
"Therefore, we have good relationships with all powers, but networks with developing countries such as Uzbekistan will greatly assist us as they understand that we have the same approach and strategy," he said.
Uzbekistan is Anwar's last stop in his official visit to the three Central Asian countries. The prime minister was in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan before this.
He arrived in Tashkent on Friday (May 17) for a three-day official visit to Uzbekistan. He paid a courtesy visit to Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the first day of his visit to its capital.
The two leaders discussed the relationship between Malaysia and Uzbekistan and explored potential fields of cooperation in the meeting which lasted an hour.
On the second day, Anwar and Uzbekistan Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev attended the Uzbekistan-Malaysia High-Level Business Forum at the Samarkand Silk Road Complex, which saw the participation of over 200 companies from Malaysia and Uzbekistan.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hassan; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing; and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Mohd Na’im Mokhtar were part of the Malaysian delegation.
Trade and investment
Meanwhile, Anwar said trade and investment will be the main focus for cooperation between Malaysia and Uzbekistan following his visit to the latter country. He said these two aspects were emphasised in his discussion with Mirziyoyev during his courtesy visit.
“The discussion with President Mirziyoyev obviously focused on investment and trade opportunities in line with Uzbekistan's strengths, including in the mining sector, with its large capacity in terms of energy such as hydrogen and ammonia.
“Early discussions were held with Petronas due to this. Then only come education, culture, and tourism; but our (main) focus is trade and investment.”
Anwar said the Uzbek President has also proposed to the high-level joint technical cooperation committee, chaired by the foreign ministers of both countries, to include a more comprehensive area.
“Apart from this, the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry will arrange and describe the trade activities for coordination by the countries’ respective foreign ministries,” he said.
Anwar said other matters discussed include Uzbekistan’s participation in the Global Forum of Islamic Economics and Finance (GFIEF) in Kuala Lumpur on May 28-29, 2024, and the cooperation between the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, as well as the cooperation of universities such as Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and Universiti Utara Malaysia with Uzbek universities in several fields.
“The experience (of visiting) Uzbekistan is extraordinary. The reception and friendship shown were warm and full of respect, and Malaysia was accorded high recognition.
“I urge my colleagues and the officials involved (during this visit) as well as companies to carry out their mission to the best of their abilities to maintain our good name apart from increasing investment and trade opportunities that will benefit all Malaysians,” he added.
— Bernama
