KUALA LUMPUR — Belgium is seeking to deepen cooperation with Malaysia in offshore energy as both countries accelerate their transition towards cleaner power systems.

Belgium Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation Maxime Prévot said offshore energy, particularly offshore wind, represents a major area of opportunity alongside semiconductors, logistics, clinical trials, biotechnology research and development, and pharmaceuticals.

“There is a huge opportunity to work together between Belgium and Malaysia on offshore energy,” he said in an interview with Bernama on the sidelines of the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable on July 2.

Despite having only 60 kilometres of coastline, Belgium has developed offshore wind infrastructure capable of generating around two gigawatts of electricity.

“We have developed offshore wind farms providing two gigawatts of energy to the population, and we intend to develop six to seven gigawatts in the coming years, equivalent to five to seven nuclear power plants,” he said.

Prévot said the expansion reflects Belgium’s commitment to energy security and decarbonisation as Europe pushes forward with its green transition agenda.

During his ministerial address at the forum, he said the European Union and its member states plan to mobilise €10 billion (RM46.5 billion) under the Global Gateway strategy to support the ASEAN Power Grid and the region’s energy transition.

He said the initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to long-term, sustainable and locally beneficial development while strengthening regional connectivity and resilience.

Prévot added that closer alignment between Europe and ASEAN could support sustainable growth while accelerating the green transition through stronger clean energy cooperation.

He arrived in Malaysia for a two-day working visit, his first since assuming office in February 2025.

Malaysia and Belgium recorded total bilateral trade of RM9.74 billion in 2025, with exports amounting to RM6.85 billion and imports at RM2.89 billion.

As of 2025, a total of 67 projects with Belgian participation had been approved, involving investments worth RM5.1 billion and the potential to create 4,605 jobs.