Anwar to lead trade mission to three hubs with focus on BRICS and economic expansion

PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to lead a high-level trade and diplomatic mission to Italy, France, and Brazil from 1 to 7 July, with the visit culminating in his participation at the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Tunku Nashrul Abaidah, Senior Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, said the visits to Rome, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro are designed to “strengthen Malaysia’s diplomatic ties and trade relations” with key economic partners.

“These three markets collectively recorded bilateral trade valued at RM50.91 billion (USD11.14 billion) last year,” he said during the Prime Minister’s Office Daily Briefing.

In Rome, Anwar is expected to hold a bilateral meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to advance economic cooperation and initiate cultural collaborations. He will also chair a Business Roundtable, meet with local Muslim leaders, and engage with the Malaysian diaspora in Europe.

In Paris, he is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron for discussions focusing on trade, technology, and education. “The Prime Minister will also engage with industrial giants in France, meet Malaysian citizens, and deliver a public lecture at Sorbonne University on July 4,” Tunku Nashrul said.

From 5 to 7 July, Anwar will be in Brazil to attend the BRICS Summit at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. As a BRICS Partner Country and incoming ASEAN Chair for 2025, Malaysia is expected to highlight issues such as multilateralism, AI governance, climate action, and global health.

“The Prime Minister will represent the aspirations of over 650 million ASEAN citizens,” Tunku Nashrul said.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by a delegation comprising major Malaysian corporations, including Petronas, Khazanah Nasional, Maybank, Sunway, TNB, FGV, and YTL Power. Many are already operational in these markets or seeking expansion opportunities.

“This synergy ensures that government-to-government negotiations are backed by business-to-business collaboration, facilitating new investment, strengthening current operations, and boosting Malaysia’s strategic presence,” Tunku Nashrul added.

Special Flight

The delegation will travel via a specially chartered flight, which Tunku Nashrul explained is a more cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to government-operated aircraft.

“This ensures precise coordination for all engagements, with the government covering costs for its officials, while business delegates bear their own expenses,” he said, stressing that “no conflict of interest exists between the government and private sector participants.”

The trade mission is being coordinated by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), with support from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) and Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

The Prime Minister and his delegation are expected to return on 9 July, where he will proceed directly to attend the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

“The MADANI Government places great hopes on this series of meetings in Rome, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro to deepen friendships, boost trade, and unlock new opportunities for the prosperity of Malaysians and all ASEAN citizens,” said Tunku Nashrul.

“The Prime Minister also requests the heartfelt prayers and strong support of Malaysians for smooth negotiations and outcomes that will truly benefit all segments of society,” he added. - June 30, 2025