WTC Kuala Lumpur boosts Malaysia-France trade through bilateral business opportunities
Kuala Lumpur, 28 March 2025 – World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) is
working to foster economic development and promote trade between Malaysia and
the European Union (EU) through global networking sessions and business fora. This is in support of the Malaysian government’s efforts to position the country as a
preferred investment destination and to deepen collaborative relationships with
European countries.
Dato’ Sri Dr. Irmohizam bin Ibrahim, Group Managing Director of WTCKL and World
Trade Centers Association (WTCA) Board Member sees strong potential for growing
trade and investments between Malaysia and European countries, given that Malaysia
and EU nations collaborate in many sectors including sustainable development and
connectivity, security, climate, energy and environment, education, and research and
innovation.
“We believe that Malaysia presents a diversification of trade as it is strategically
located within Southeast Asia. This opens up opportunities for increased bilateral
relations and investments, spurs continued growth in service sectors and encourages
participation of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from both regions to drive
more trade opportunities,” said Dato’ Sri Dr Irmohizam.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) conducted a trade and
investment mission to Germany and France in March 2024 to further strengthen trade
and investment ties with the region. Led by Minister of Investment, Trade, and
Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Abdul Aziz, the mission aimed to bolster
investment prospects and foster economic partnerships.
France in particular, is Malaysia’s third-largest trading partner in the European Union.
With a total trade value of RM16.72 billion (EUR 3.41 billion) in 2023, it accounts for 8
percent of Malaysia-EU trade. Among the leading French companies that engaged
with the Malaysian government during the trade mission were Airbus, Michelin, Institut
de Soudure Groupe, Safran and Simaero.
Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong said French
investments into Malaysia are very diverse, ranging from electrical and electronics
(E&E), infrastructure, manufacturing, retail, services sectors, aeronautics, and
defence.
Dato’ Sri Dr Irmohizam explained that the 55th annual WTCA Global Business Forum
(GBF) in Marseille, France from April 6-9, to be hosted by World Trade Center (WTC)
Marseille Provence, will serve as an excellent platform to stimulate interest in the
Malaysian market, foster economic development and encourage business tourism into the country as well.
With the theme “Gateway to the Mediterranean,” this year’s Forum brings together more than 300 attendees from over 50 countries, including WTCA members and their global networks, and leaders from business, government, academia, and international organizations.
Demonstrating the strength of the global WTCA network, the Forum facilitates direct
business-to-business (B2B) relationships and investment opportunities across
industry sectors including agriculture, architecture, banking and financial services,
construction and building materials, consumer goods, food and beverage, freight and logistics, health technology, industrial solutions, manufacturing, maritime and energy services, and tourism.
“WTCA remains committed to promoting free and fair trade, open markets, and healthy
competition — principles that drive investment, prosperity and economic growth,” said John E. Drew, Chair, WTCA Board of Directors.
“Now more than ever, as businesses navigate shifting global trade policies and economic uncertainty, the annual WTCA Global Business Forum (GBF) provides a vital platform for members and their networks to connect, explore new markets, and gain critical insights. With an active
and engaged B2B program supported by a robust matchmaking platform, this year’s
GBF reinforces our commitment to fostering partnerships and expanding global
opportunities.”
Marseille was chosen for this year’s event given its role as a critical European hub for
trade, innovation, and economic activity. The Mediterranean region connects three
continents and plays a vital role in global commerce, boasting strong industries in
maritime trade, logistics, energy, tourism, and technology. “This year’s WTCA Global Business Forum will help enhance Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship for 2025, as the Forum has always been a powerful stage for
networking, sharing of best practices, gaining market insights and exploring global
opportunities be it for business owners, entrepreneurs or even the WTCA members
themselves,” said Dato’ Sri Dr Irmohizam.
The four-day event offers a range of programming, including “Strategies for Success in an Evolving Marketplace,” “Free Trade Zones as Engines of Growth,” and
“Navigating Trade, Real Estate and Investment Trends in 2025.” New this year, WTCA
is featuring a Real Estate Summit for attendees with specialised sessions on “World Trade Center Projects in Focus,” “Expanding the Real Estate Horizon: Innovation and Resilience in a Changing World,” “and “FDI Trends Reshaping Real Estate & Infrastructure.”
“Our region has long been a crossroads of global trade, driving economic growth and
fostering international collaboration. Between its strategic location, diverse industries
and thriving innovation ecosystem, Marseille is the ideal setting for this year’s Forum,”
said Benoit Vincent, CEO, WTC Marseille Provence. “This event will create new
opportunities for investment, trade, and partnership in one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions.”
