Belgium is keen to strengthen collaboration with Malaysia in offshore energy, leveraging its expertise as both countries pursue the green energy transition.
KUALA LUMPUR: Belgium is keen to strengthen collaboration with Malaysia in offshore energy, leveraging its expertise in offshore energy as both countries pursue the green energy transition.
Belgium Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prévot, said offshore energy is among the sectors with strong potential for bilateral cooperation, alongside semiconductors, logistics, clinical trials, biotechnology research and development as well as pharmaceuticals.
“There is a huge opportunity to work together between Belgium and Malaysia on offshore energy,” he told Bernama in an interview on the sidelines of the 39th Asia-Pacific Roundtable here today.
Prévot said despite having only 60 kilometres of coastline, Belgium has developed offshore wind farms capable of generating two gigawatts of electricity.
“We have developed offshore wind farms providing two gigawatts of energy to the population, and we intend to develop to six to seven gigawatts in the coming years, equivalent to five to seven nuclear power plants,” he said.
Prévot emphasised that expanding offshore wind capacity underscores Belgium’s commitment to energy security and decarbonisation.
During his ministerial address at the forum, he said the European Union (EU) and its member states plan to mobilise €10 billion (€1=RM4.65) under the Global Gateway Strategy to support the ASEAN Power Grid and the region’s energy transition.
Prévot said the initiative reflects the EU’s commitment to investing in long-term, sustainable and locally beneficial development while strengthening regional connectivity and resilience.
The Belgian deputy prime minister said the EU supports the ASEAN Power Grid and regional energy transition, reflecting a commitment to investing in long-term, sustainable and locally beneficial development.
He noted that by aligning strategies, Europe and ASEAN could create sustainable growth while reinforcing resilience across the region, adding that stronger cooperation in clean energy would also help accelerate the green transition.
Prevot arrived in Malaysia today for a two-day working visit, his first to the country since assuming office in February 2025.
Total bilateral trade between Malaysia and Belgium amounted to RM9.74 billion in 2025, comprising RM6.85 billion in Malaysian exports and RM2.89 billion in imports.
As of 2025, a total of 67 projects with Belgian participation had been approved, involving investments worth RM5.1 billion with the potential to create 4,605 jobs.
