Malaysia and Italy Seek New Partnerships

Malaysia and Italy are exploring new cooperation opportunities, specifically in trade and investment, defense and security, energy and the environment, tourism, and higher education.

This was discussed when Malaysia’s Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister hosted a working lunch for Italy’s Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister during her visit to Malaysia in January. The Italian minister made her first visit to Malaysia since taking office in October 2022.

The ministers reviewed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and international issues, including Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship, Italy’s 2024 Group of Seven presidency, and the situation in the Middle East.

Italy’s minister also met with Malaysia’s Investment, Trade, and Industry Deputy Minister, the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Deputy Minister, and the National Security Council Director-General.

Malaysia’s total trade with Italy increased 2.1% in the first eleven months of 2024, reaching RM13.44 billion. In 2023, Italy was Malaysia’s fifth-largest trading partner among European Union countries, with total trade valued at RM14.32 billion.

There are 137 approved projects with Italian participation in Malaysia, with investments totaling RM3.53 billion and potentially creating 11,496 jobs.