Malaysia and Dubai enhance economic collaboration with new MoU, building on US$4.9 billion non-oil trade and regional gateway opportunities.
KUALA LUMPUR: Dubai’s position as a global trade hub complements Malaysia’s manufacturing strengths and ASEAN connectivity, creating new Middle East-Asia value chains.
Investment Trade and Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Hairil Yahri Yaacob highlighted Malaysia’s open, competitive economy supported by pro-business policies.
“We are committed to supporting investors at every stage, from initial engagement to post-investment facilitation and regional expansion,” he said in his keynote speech at the “Doing Business With Malaysia” Programme.
His speech was delivered by MITI’s ASEAN Economic Integration Division senior director Dr Sugumari S. Shanmugam.
Hairil Yahri emphasized Malaysia’s readiness to advance with the United Arab Emirates toward a more connected and sustainable future.
“UAE has always been one of Malaysia’s most important trading partners in the West Asia region,” he noted.
The UAE was Malaysia’s second-largest trading partner among Gulf Cooperation Council states in 2024, demonstrating strong economic partnership resilience.
Malaysia and the UAE achieved a historic milestone with the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement signed on January 14.
This agreement was finalized in just 11 months following October 2023 negotiations in Dubai.
“With MY-UAE CEPA in force and the Malaysia-GCC Free Trade Agreement on the horizon, Malaysia stands ready to serve as the gateway to ASEAN,” Hairil Yahri stated.
The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance bilateral trade relations.
This MoU aims to strengthen ties between business communities in both regions.
Hairil Yahri encouraged Malaysian companies to learn from Dubai’s expertise in trade, finance, and logistics.
He invited Dubai businesses to explore Malaysia’s potential as a strategic ASEAN hub with strong supply chains and halal leadership.
Non-oil trade between Malaysia and Dubai reached US$4.9 billion in 2024, representing 20% annual growth.
