KUALA LUMPUR - Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Turkiye was regarded as meaningful and successful, particularly in enhancing economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries.

Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) CEO, Abu Bakar Yusof said the visit opened new avenues for business cooperation and encouraged Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Malaysia.

“From Matrade's perspective, the Prime Minister's visit to Türkiye was highly meaningful and successful in developing and strengthening economic relations, especially in trade and investment between the two countries,” he told reporters during the Prime Minister’s three-day official visit.

Abu Bakar noted that roundtable sessions with Turkish companies and industry players had produced positive outcomes.

“The session allowed Turkish companies to engage directly with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry on ways to enhance business relations with Malaysia,” he said.

He added that feedback from the sessions showed strong interest among Turkish companies to expand their markets by either exporting to Malaysia or sourcing more products and services locally.

“Beyond trade, there is also clear interest from Turkish companies to invest in Malaysia,” he added.

Abu Bakar highlighted that trade and investment are complementary under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and are key drivers for strengthening bilateral economic ties.

“Both leaders of Malaysia and Turkiye agreed to increase bilateral trade from the current USD5 billion (RM20.3 billion) to USD10 billion within the next five years. We therefore need to examine how this target can be achieved,” he said.

He described the establishment of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between Malaysia and Turkiye, covering economy, trade, and investment, as an important catalyst for growth in both countries.

Abu Bakar said Turkish companies showed interest in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and the defence industry in new areas of collaboration.

“For the semiconductor industry, the Turkish government and companies have expressed interest in developing the sector. 

“Malaysia has a very strong semiconductor ecosystem, which opens opportunities for technology sharing and strategic collaboration,” Abu Bakar said.

He added that Turkiye’s advanced defence industry had also drawn attention from Malaysian companies seeking collaboration.

“Based on discussions during the roundtable meetings, several Turkish companies are keen to collaborate with Malaysian firms, particularly in the defence industry, which is widely recognised as highly advanced," he noted.

Abu Bakar concluded that such platforms are essential for identifying strategic collaboration opportunities that benefit both Malaysian and Turkish companies, supporting long-term economic relations between the two nations.