The Prime Minister of Malaysia undertakes to develop existing ties with Kazakhstan and Central Asia

Malaysia is determined to further strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan in the priority areas of trade and investment, education and digitalization, said Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim in an exclusive interview with The Astana Times.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia arrived in Astana on May 16 to begin his first official visit. He met with the President of Kazakhstan, Kasy-Zhomart Tokayev, and both sides discussed ways to strengthen ties between the countries in a number of key sectors.

Prime Minister Ibrahim emphasized Malaysia's desire to expand cooperation with Kazakhstan, as well as interregional cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Central Asian region in many areas.

"I think right now in my discussions with President [Tokayev], we want to focus on this region, Central Asia and ASEAN, and between Malaysia and Kazakhstan," said Prime Minister Ibrahim, noting that Malaysia will take the chairmanship of ASEAN next year.

"Of course, we want to make sure that in matters of investment, trade, minerals, digital technologies, and even focusing on the need to coordinate with Kazakhstan, penetration of other markets in the region and even remote areas. So it's a really big boost in momentum and focus," he added.

According to the Prime Minister of Malaysia, there is great potential for expanding the scope of economic cooperation between the two countries.

"On a positive note, the total volume of trade and investment between the two countries has increased by 30% over the last year, which means that the potential is huge. We have identified areas where Malaysians can come here, such as minerals or energy transition, or even digital technology. Likewise, from Kazakhstan to Malaysia, which also includes tourism: both of these countries are exceptional. You have beautiful mountains and ski resorts, we have a beautiful sea and virgin jungle. So we will benefit from both or complement each other," Ibrahim said.

Kazakhstan and Malaysia are also looking to expand trade by shifting from raw materials to higher value products. "In my discussions with the president, we agreed that we should go higher. If it is now minerals, [then] processing, industrial development, not just focusing on raw materials,” Ibrahim said.

The bilateral meetings will form the basis for policy development and recommendations to businesses and decision makers in Malaysia.

"We have started discussions here between some local business partners and Kazakh businessmen, but I think when I return to Malaysia, I will have to call a meeting to explain the possibilities and the fact that we have a great friend here among the leadership and among the people of Kazakhstan." , – said Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia highly appreciated the social and political reforms carried out in Kazakhstan under the leadership of Tokayev.

"I told President Tokayev last night that what he has done is impressive, because of course there are radical changes compared to the past in terms of transparency, in terms of family members in business, in terms of reform to attract investment, which we are also doing . I think we can really share something in common here. I am fighting a very strong fight against corruption in my country. And we see, for example, the determination and determination of the president in this matter, and we can be great friends,” Ibrahim said.

Other priority areas include education and digitization, where Malaysia has extensive experience.

“There are many students [studying in Malaysia] and we agreed with the president that we will open up more opportunities for students to study, particularly in AI and digital technology where we can have an advantage. But then we will also share the experience from Kazakhstan regarding your institutions, universities and research centers. We should also send our professors and students here,” Ibrahim said.

“In terms of digital technology, IT and artificial intelligence, we are fortunate to have major investors from the United States, Europe and China and even Japan focusing on Malaysia. Malaysia is now the center of microchips and supercomputers in the region. Investments in this area have increased significantly, which means that we are adjusting training. (…) These issues, of course, were shared with your President. He also gave instructions so that we can take advantage of your strength and, conversely, Malaysia's experience in this," the Prime Minister said.