By TENGKU NOOR SHAMSIAH TENGKU ABDULLAH
PUTRAJAYA, May 9 —Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim this morning received a courtesy call from Peter Nussbaum, Chairman of the International Economic Senate (Internationaler Wirtschaftssenat, IWS), accompanied by a high-powered delegation from the World Economic Council (WEC), marking a pivotal step in advancing Malaysia-Germany economic collaboration.
The delegation’s visit comes amid Germany’s strategic shift to deepen its ASEAN trade footprint — with Malaysia emerging as a key partner, as highlighted in TNS News’ report yesterday. The mission also follows Anwar’s earlier official engagement in Berlin, reinforcing Malaysia’s growing importance in German economic diplomacy.
Welcoming the delegation at Putrajaya, Anwar underscored Malaysia’s pro-investment policies under the MADANI government, stressing that the country remains committed to a transparent, responsive, and forward-looking business environment. “We welcome this visit as part of sustained efforts to explore new avenues for German investment,” said Anwar.
Established in Germany, the IWS connects global business leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to promote sustainable economic development.
Its flagship initiative, the World Economic Council, brings together senior executives, government officials, and experts in key industries including semiconductors, engineering, green energy, AI, and medical technology — all areas aligned with Malaysia’s economic aspirations.
Peter Nussbaum expressed Germany’s confidence in Malaysia as a reliable and resilient partner: “Germany sees Malaysia not only as a gateway to ASEAN, but as a future-proof, trusted partner in turbulent times.”
Bernhard Schutte, Chairman of TAPiO Management Advisory and WEC Ambassador to Malaysia, added: “This landmark mission aims to solidify a new era of German-Malaysian collaboration, fostering mutual prosperity and ensuring long-term competitiveness.”
Malaysia has been Germany’s largest trading partner within the European Union since 2000. The recent resumption of Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA) negotiations, announced on January 20, 2025, further signals an evolving and maturing bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Anwar and the delegation also exchanged views on economic resilience, policy predictability, and how the MADANI framework supports high-quality, long-term investments. German companies such as Infineon Technologies, Siemens, Osram, B. Braun, and Bauer have already established major operations in Malaysia — some of which now surpass the scale of their German headquarters.
Anwar reaffirmed Malaysia’s readiness to work closely with international investors: “The visit reflects growing international confidence in Malaysia’s direction and governance. We are ready to welcome investments that bring mutual benefit and elevate Malaysia’s role in global value chains.”
The IWS-WEC delegation’s visit underscores the strong trajectory of Malaysia-Germany economic ties and sets the tone for deeper cooperation at a time of global realignment in trade and innovation.
- TNS NEWS