ROME – Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim will jointly inaugurate a high-level Italy-Malaysia Economic Partnership Roundtable in Rome tomorrow, signaling a new phase in bilateral economic relations. The meeting will bring together over 80 top executives and government representatives from both countries, aiming to foster deeper collaboration across key sectors including energy, defense, infrastructure, and industrial innovation.
Robust Trade Growth and Strategic Sectors
In 2024, bilateral trade between Italy and Malaysia reached €3.1 billion, with Italian exports increasing by 23.4% to €1.7 billion. The momentum has continued into 2025: first-quarter trade grew by 26% year-on-year, totaling €815 million, driven by joint initiatives in renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, power generation, and high-tech defense systems.
Malaysia, the third-largest economy in ASEAN and the second-highest in GDP per capita after Singapore, is a key player in global semiconductor production and ranks fifth worldwide in liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Italy, meanwhile, sees Malaysia as a strategic partner in its efforts to expand exports under the national Export Promotion Action Plan.
High-Level Participation and Industry Focus
The roundtable, organized by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, features the participation of Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Foreign Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir, and a delegation of over 30 Malaysian companies. On the Italian side, the event will welcome ICE President Matteo Zoppas, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti CEO Dario Scannapieco, SACE CEO Alessandra Ricci, and SIMEST CEO Regina Corradini D’Arienzo, along with more than 50 senior executives from Italian industrial associations and corporations.
Tajani plans to emphasize Italy’s commitment to expanding its footprint in Southeast Asia and highlighted the strength of the Italy-Malaysia relationship, describing it as a “solid and trusted partnership based on mutual economic benefit and shared strategic interests.”
EU-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement
The upcoming business roundtable also comes amid renewed momentum for the EU-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement (FTA), with negotiations recently resumed after a multi-year hiatus. Both sides expressed optimism that a finalized agreement could unlock even greater trade flows and investment opportunities, particularly in green technology, digital transition, and sustainable infrastructure development.
A Model for EU-ASEAN Economic Cooperation
Italy’s intensified engagement with Malaysia is being seen as part of a broader strategy to increase EU economic presence in Southeast Asia, positioning Rome as a proactive partner in supporting regional growth. The roundtable is expected to result in new investment frameworks and public-private partnerships that strengthen long-term cooperation.
As Europe and ASEAN seek greater interdependence in the post-pandemic global economy, tomorrows event reflects the pragmatic diplomacy and commercial ambition shaping Italy’s foreign policy in Asia. (zai)