Addis ababa: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced plans to engage with his Ethiopian counterpart, Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, to enhance and accelerate economic cooperation between Malaysia and Ethiopia. Anwar emphasized the importance of this collaboration during the Ethiopia-Malaysia High Level of Business Forum, attended by 200 business representatives.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the forum saw participation from 54 Ethiopian companies spanning sectors such as manufacturing and services, alongside three government agencies. Over 70 Malaysian business representatives were also present. The event was attended by notable figures including Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie Amde, Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Ethiopian Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe.
Anwar, who also serves as Malaysia's Finance Minister, highlighted the strategic significance of hastening economic processes with Ethiopia, given its role in the region and as the location of the African Union headquarters. The Prime Minister pointed to Ethiopia's potential and recent reforms as key factors making it an attractive destination for investment.
President Taye Atske-Selassie congratulated Anwar on his upcoming role as ASEAN Chair in 2025 and acknowledged the evolving geopolitical landscape that presents an opportunity for Malaysia and Ethiopia to forge a more meaningful partnership. He noted Ethiopia's progressive regulatory framework and its efforts to unlock strategic sectors, particularly agriculture, to ensure food security.
Addressing the trade imbalance, Taye Atske-Selassie expressed optimism, inviting Malaysian businesses to invest and grow in Ethiopia. Currently, Ethiopia is ranked as Malaysia's 26th largest trading partner on the African continent. Bilateral trade between the two nations reached RM625.6 million, with Malaysian exports, including electrical products and palm oil, showing a significant increase.
The ongoing trade relationship also sees Malaysia importing agricultural products, transport equipment, and metalliferous ores from Ethiopia, indicating the potential for expanded economic collaboration in the future.