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Malaysia-Italy Economic Cooperation Yields RM8.13 Billion in Potential Investments

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced potential investments worth RM8.13 billion during the Malaysia-Italy economic cooperation roundtable meeting. The meeting, which involved 41 Italian companies and agencies, including 23 manufacturing companies, led to collaborations in various sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy, and sustainable infrastructure. Anwar also expressed his desire to increase cooperation with Italy in the energy and solar sectors, citing joint ventures like the Petronas and Eni SpA collaboration in the sustainable aviation fuel sector. The Prime Minister's visit to Italy was a three-day working visit, where he met with his counterpart Giorgia Meloni to discuss potential collaborations and investments.

Key Takeaways:

  • A total of 41 Italian companies and agencies participated in the Malaysia-Italy economic cooperation roundtable meeting, including 23 manufacturing companies, nine service companies, and five government agencies.
  • The potential investments achieved through the meeting are worth RM8.13 billion in the petrochemical, machinery and equipment, electrical and electronics, and oil and gas services and equipment sectors.
  • The potential exports generated were worth RM425 million for oleochemical products, renewable energy, biofuel feedstocks, animal feed additives, and food.
  • Anwar applied for recognition of the Malaysian Sustainable Palm Oil (MSPO) certification from Italy and requested support for a fairer assessment of the European Union Deforestation-Free Products Regulation (EUDR) Implementation.
  • Malaysia aims to be in the low-risk category in the EUDR benchmark system when the rating is reviewed by 2026.
  • The country has also sought Italy's support in concluding negotiations on the Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
  • The Prime Minister's visit to Italy was a three-day working visit, where he met with his counterpart Giorgia Meloni to discuss potential collaborations and investments.
  • Total trade between Malaysia and Italy recorded an increase of two per cent in 2024 to US$3.18 billion (RM14.61 billion) compared to the same period in 2023.
  • For the period from January to May 2025, total trade between the two countries showed a positive performance with an increase of 3.3 per cent to US$1.48 billion (RM6.5 billion) compared to the same period in 2024.

Statistics:

  • Total trade between Malaysia and Italy: US$3.18 billion (RM14.61 billion) in 2024.
  • Increase in total trade between Malaysia and Italy in 2024: two per cent compared to 2023.
  • Total trade between Malaysia and Italy for the period from January to May 2025: US$1.48 billion (RM6.5 billion).
  • Increase in total trade between Malaysia and Italy for the period from January to May 2025: 3.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.
  • Potential investments achieved through the Malaysia-Italy economic cooperation roundtable meeting: RM8.13 billion.
  • Potential exports generated for oleochemical products, renewable energy, biofuel feedstocks, animal feed additives, and food: RM425 million.

Sources:

  • BERNAMA News Agency
  • Prime Minister's visit to Italy and meeting with counterpart Giorgia Meloni

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