The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Alexandra Abrahams says evolving digital economies offer further collaboration opportunities between South Africa and Malaysia.
She was addressing a Business Forum led by Malaysian Prime Minister, Honourable Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim which hosted business representatives from both countries, who came together to explore investment in both countries at the Sandton Hotel.
Abrahams highlighted the latest trade statistics which indicate there has been a steady growth between the two counties.
“In 2024, South Africa’s exports to Malaysia reached approximately US$ 715.8 million, while Malaysia’s exports to South Africa stood at around US$ 838.9 million. Today, our bilateral trade stands at an estimated US$ 1.7 billion. These figures show steady growth but they also remind us that we are only at the beginning of what this partnership can truly become.especially for MSMEs. Collaboration in fintech, e-commerce, digital supply chains and innovation ecosystems is not just possible, it is timely and necessary,” she noted.
As world leaders meet the G20 Leaders’ Summit at Nasrec with the climate change being one of the key issues to be tackled, she added that Malaysia’s leadership in renewable energy technologies and efficiency solutions complements South Africa’s ambitions to expand the green economy and diversify its energy mix.
She encouraged Malaysian partners to take full advantage of these efforts and the enormous opportunities available as South Africa continues to implement reforms to improve the investment environment, streamline regulation and expand special economic zones.
“By bringing together South Africa’s industrial capabilities and regional reach with Malaysia’s technological strength and strategic location, we can co-create an economic future that is greener, more dynamic and more inclusive. Malaysia’s strengths in advanced manufacturing align closely with South Africa’s industrial policy objectives, including export diversification and beneficiation. We see significant room to deepen supply chain linkages, establish joint ventures and enhance local production capacities,” she said.
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