The Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIFM) hosted its annual Gala Night on November 4, 2024, at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, showcasing the robust economic ties between France and Malaysia. The event underscored the significant growth in bilateral trade, which reached €5.28 billion (MYR26 billion) in 2023, positioning France as Malaysia's third-largest trading partner within the European Union.
The gala, attended by over 400 guests, including high-ranking officials and business leaders, served as a platform to recognize the contributions of the Franco-Malaysian business community to the thriving economic relationship between the two nations. Notable attendees included YB Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Malaysia, and H.E. Axel Cruau, Ambassador of France to Malaysia.
The French economic presence in Malaysia has seen substantial growth, with 600 French entities now established in the country. These include approximately 300 subsidiaries and 300 entrepreneurs, collectively employing around 30,000 people and making a significant impact on the local economy. This expansion highlights Malaysia's attractiveness as a strategic hub for French businesses looking to grow in the Asia-Pacific region.
The event gained additional significance as Malaysia prepares to assume the Chair of ASEAN on January 1, 2025. This upcoming leadership role presents opportunities for further strengthening economic ties between France and the broader Southeast Asian region through Malaysia's strategic position.
During the gala, CCIFM presented its Excellence Awards to member companies that have demonstrated outstanding performance and innovation in their respective fields. The awards recognized contributions that have significantly advanced Franco-Malaysian business relations. Notable winners included Decathlon for "Outstanding Achievements-Large Company," Nazsoft Tech for "Outstanding Achievements-SME," and Club Med for "Corporate Social Responsibility."
The success of the Franco-Malaysian economic partnership is attributed to the strong collaboration between various institutions, including the French Embassy, Business France, MIDA, MATRADE, and InvestKL, among others. This cooperation has been instrumental in creating a conducive environment for French businesses to thrive in Malaysia.
As part of its commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability, CCIFM initiated the planting of 400 trees—one for each guest at the Gala Night—in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. This initiative, carried out in partnership with APE Malaysia, demonstrates the chamber's dedication to preserving Malaysia's biodiversity and strengthening its ecosystem for future generations.
The gala night not only celebrated current achievements but also set the stage for future collaborations and growth in Franco-Malaysian trade relations. As Malaysia takes on a leadership role in ASEAN, the event highlighted the potential for expanded economic cooperation between France and the wider Southeast Asian region.
The strong turnout and participation of key stakeholders at the gala night reflect the growing importance of the Franco-Malaysian economic relationship. As both countries continue to explore new avenues for collaboration, particularly in areas such as technology, sustainability, and innovation, the event served as a reminder of the mutual benefits of strong bilateral ties.
The success of the CCIFM Gala Night 2024 and the positive economic indicators presented underscore the resilience and potential of the Franco-Malaysian partnership. As global economic landscapes evolve, this relationship stands as a model for successful international business cooperation, promising continued growth and mutual prosperity in the years to come.
