00:00Malaysia should strengthen its ties with Africa to diversify markets and supply chains as competition between the United States and China intensifies.
00:10The Southern Africa-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce says the shifting global landscape makes it essential for Malaysia to limit its exposure to external shocks.
00:19Therefore, in Malaysia's interest, it's optimal to look at Africa as a provision of diversified markets, resources, and new supply chains that will help Malaysia reduce exposure to geopolitical shocks.
00:37Two, it's also in terms of South-South cooperation and our ambitions around BRICS.
00:42It shows Malaysia's intent to deepen cooperation on the shared agenda around fairer trade rules, development financing, and inclusive global governance.
00:52Recently, Prime Minister Dato' Sri Anwar Ibrahim completed a three-nation tour of Ethiopia, South Africa, and Kenya.
00:59His journey began in Addis Ababa before he travelled to Johannesburg for a working visit and the G20 Leaders Summit.
01:08Salim also noted that South Africa serves as a practical gateway for Malaysian companies entering the African continent,
01:15supported by its industrial base and strong logistics, finance, retail, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors.
01:22And it also provides a pathway for Malaysia to scale into the continent through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
01:29Basically, it offers access to a market of 1.3 billion consumers with a 2.8 trillion economy.
01:38So the key opportunities for Malaysian businesses is around automotive and EV supply chains, mining and minerals, processing, renewable energy, digital services, and logistics.
01:49These are industries where South African firms operate across the region and where Malaysian companies actually have room to grow in.
01:56On the converse side, I'd just like to just also mention that, you know, South Africa exports meat, dairy, and processed foods into the Middle East and Asia,
02:04and Malaysia, with its world-class halal certification, has a strong potential for joint certification with South Africa,
02:11and to improve and strengthen its supply chains in penetrating GCC in the ASEAN markets.
Be the first to comment