DEFENCE AND TRADE
Hollande’s visit will be punctuated with high-profile events, including a restricted meeting on bilateral ties with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, a state banquet hosted by the Yang diPertuan Agong and a conference with leading French entrepreneurs.
It will also see Malaysian actress Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh conferred with France’s highest state award — the Commandeur in the National order of Légion d’Honneur. The French entourage will consist of 170 people, including four cabinet members in charge of defence, culture, industry and development.
Penot said France aimed to diversify its interest in Malaysia as a key partner in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia will be the second Asean country, after Singapore, that Hollande will visit during his three-nation tour in the region.
“The emphasis will be on trade, investment and defence.
“For trade and investment, we expect to sign a number of bilateral agreements, which are mainly business-to-business between (Malaysian) and our (French) companies. France has increased its trade and economic footprint in Malaysia in the past 10 years. Malaysia is a popular market for us as it provides an excellent market environment for foreign companies.”
Out of the top 40 French companies listed under the main French index of NYSE Euronext stock exchange, 30 had been established in Malaysia in joint ventures with local partners. Notable ones are Airbus, Bouygues, L’Oréal, LVMH, Peugeot-Citroën, Schneider Electric and Technip.
On defence, Penot said Malaysia and France enjoyed firm cooperation in industrial relations, as seen in the advancement of submarine technology and training, which saw the Royal Malaysian Navy emerging as one of the most competent naval arms in underwater warfare.
The latest purchase of four Airbus A400M Atlas tactical airlifters by Malaysia showed the country’s proactive stance in military aeronautics.
Penot described Malaysia-France ties as a “genuine” partnership, as seen in the sharing of technological expertise, rather than based solely on mutual perks of trade.
He said France was also looking into the possibility of forming a tighter intelligence network with Malaysia.