A remarkable growth in bilateral trade and tourism between the UAE and Malaysia is an indicator of huge economic potential, the King of Malaysia told Emirates News Agency (WAM) in an interview.

“The UAE has been one of Malaysia’s main trading partners in this region. In 2019, total trade between Malaysia and the UAE was valued at $6.426 billion, an increase of 12.5 per cent from $5.709 billion in 2018,” said Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

The UAE is also Malaysia’s largest export destination and second-largest source of import in the West Asia region, he added in his first-ever exclusive interview with a media outlet in the Arab world.

“Malaysia and the UAE have a good relationship, especially in trade and investment sectors,” the King continued.

“Given our strategic location in the Southeast Asian region, Malaysia is committed to being the gateway for the UAE to enter the Southeast Asian market, which is home to 650 million people.

“As a major hub in the West Asia region, the UAE has always been an important country to Malaysia and serves as a gateway for Malaysia to new markets.”

Sultan Abdullah was on a working visit to the UAE last week. It was the third visit since he was sworn in as his country’s monarch in January 2019.

He met His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and other senior officials.

“I hope that both countries could continue to explore opportunities to further strengthen our economic ties,” the King said.

“On the tourism front for example, I am pleased to see the growing number of Emirati tourists visiting Malaysia before COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, more than 11,000 Emiratis visited Malaysia.

“When the borders are reopened, I hope that there would be more tourists from the UAE choosing to visit Malaysia as their preferred holiday destination, adding to their rich, varied and diverse travel experience.”

He also talked about his country’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai. “I am pleased that Malaysia will be taking part at Expo 2020 Dubai 2020, as preparations have been underway.”

Malaysia believes that its participation at the international event in Dubai will be an opportunity to display the significant trade and investment potential, and more importantly, “our national story to the world,” Sultan Abdullah emphasised.

Meanwhile the Ambassador of Malaysia to the United Arab Emirates, Mohd Tarid Sufian and Consul General Mohd Hasril Abdul Hamid visited the Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai last week. Mohd Tarid was given a briefing by Malaysia’s Architect.

Malaysia Pavilion is themed “Energising Sustainability” to depict the country’s commitment to sustainability. This includes the sustainable management and development of its forests and natural resources.

“Malaysia’s exports to the UAE are mainly in electrical and electronic products, jewellery, petroleum products, machinery, equipment & parts, processed food, metal products, palm oil related products, chemicals and chemical products, rubber products, transport equipment, and textiles, apparels & footwear,” he said, adding that the UAE is also keen to explore partnership with Malaysia in the fields of agriculture technology, renewable and clean energy, halal industry and tourism.

The Malaysia Pavilion at Expo 2020 will feature green and energy saving elements to reduce energy use by 20 per cent. It is also the first to adopt the Net Zero Carbon approach for Expo 2020 Dubai.

He thanked Expo 2020 for doing its best to accommodate the needs of the participating countries.

“We are pleased to see that staff and workers’ safety are a priority at the Expo site. And despite such challenging times and environment due the impact of Covid-19, Expo 2020 has overcome obstacles to ensure it successfully delivers an amazing venue.

“I congratulate Expo 2020 Dubai for the completion of major buildings and infrastructure at the expo site. Just looking around the wonderful modern and futuristic structures of the Expo, one can already feel the excitement and thrills which Expo 2020 promises to enthral visitors with, come Oct.1, 2021.

“Indeed, it will be an event not to be missed and one that Malaysia, and I believe other participating countries, are looking forward to,” said Mohd Tarid, noting that many countries anticipated their participation at Expo 2020 to uplift their economy and global trade.

“Expo offers an important platform for nations to come together and convene as a global community with shared challenges and future. It is also a global opportunity for nations to revive and boost their economies that have been affected by Covid-19, through the forging of trade, business and investments partnerships between nations, organisations and enterprises,” he said.

WAM