Anwar: It’s time to restart EU FTA talks
HAMBURG: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Friday reiterated his call to rekindle discussions on the long-stalled Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA).
Alluding to the strong economic ties enjoyed by Malaysia and Germany, he said the strength of the relationship was reflected by Malaysia being Germany’s largest trading partner in Southeast Asia, and Germany being Malaysia’s largest trading partner in Europe.
“I believe the strength of our bilateral relationship should carry over to further regional integration.
“Based on mutual trust, the time is ripe for us to rekindle discussions on the MEUFTA.
“With this, Europe can capitalise on Malaysia as a gateway to Asia, leveraging open market policies facilitated by the Asean FTA, RCEP (Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership) and CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for TransPacific Partnership).”
He said this at the ceremonial address at the 101st Ostasiatisches Liebesmahl (East Asia Friendship Dinner), hosted by the OAV German Asia-Pacific Business Association at the Hamburg City Hall here.
Present were Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysian ambassador to Germany Datin Paduka Dr Adina Kamarudin and Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher.
On another matter, Anwar said Malaysia had agreed in principle to join the Climate Club, an intergovernmental forum for exchange on accelerating climate change action and industry decarbonisation.
He said the invitation was extended to Malaysia by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
“Chancellor Scholz had suggested that we work together to address environmental concerns.
“Malaysia has agreed in principle to the invitation, to boost the level of cooperation, as we have in other sectors, such as the economy and education,” he told Malaysian media at the end of his six-day official visit to Germany.
Malaysia, he said, could capitalise on this in terms of technology transfer and capacitybuilding.
“It will strengthen Malaysia’s profile on climate action efforts as well as commitments to fulfill obligations under the Paris Agreement.”
He said he had also discussed with Schulz the issue concerning the abuse of the third party litigation funding.
Malaysia was previously locked in a legal battle with the so-called heirs of the defunct Sulu sultanate, whom, backed by third party funders, had launched a bid to seek billions of dollars from the government regarding its claims to Sabah.
Anwar said he had asked Germany to support efforts and initiatives to monitor the litigation fund industry.