On February 14th, the EU Delegation to Malaysia in partnership with Invest Sarawak and EuroCham Malaysia organised the inaugural EU-Malaysia Business Day 2024. This landmark event convened over 250 stakeholders, including Ambassadors, government officials, and representatives from 100 businesses, marking a significant milestone in fostering economic ties between the European Union and Malaysia.

The presence of 17 Ambassadors of EU Member States accredited to Malaysia next to YB Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier of Sarawak, underscored the importance of this gathering. Through a series of focused workshops and panel discussions, attendees discussed topics of Digital Transformation, Green Economy, Social Economy, Green Transition Financing, and the Future of European Presence in Sarawak, laying the groundwork for future collaboration and innovation.

During his keynote address under the slogan “Creating Opportunities Together”, EU Ambassador Rokas highlighted the importance of Malaysia as an economic, trade and investment partner for the EU. He also noted the role of the EU Global Gateway in the advance of Green Transition in Malaysia and especially in the aspirations of the State of Sarawak towards a sustainable and green economy.

A pivotal moment of the day was the launch of Invest Sarawak with the presence of the EU Ambassadors and nearly 400 participants from European and Malaysian businesses, Sarawak State officials, trade officials and media. The participation of the Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, Premier of Sarawak highlighted the significance of this initiative and marked a new chapter for opportunities for European businesses to work with Sarawak.

This inaugural event set the stage for deeper collaboration and mutual benefit between the EU and Malaysia, paving the way for a new era of economic partnership. The extraordinary participation of EU Member State bilateral chambers of commerce and the Malaysia-based EU companies, alongside Sarawakian businesses illustrated EU industry’s sincere interest in the economic cooperation with Sarawak and Malaysia at large. The Business Day successfully encapsulated the spirit of the Team Europe approach.