The Official Visit by The Malaysia Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim Official Visit to The State of Qatar

The bilateral economic relationship between Malaysia and the State of Qatar has witnessed significant progress, highlighted by the recent visit of the Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to Qatar from 12th to 14th May 2024. This visit enhanced diplomatic and economic ties, aiming to raise Malaysia’s profile among Qatar’s leadership and business community. The visit coincided with the Qatar Economic Forum 2024 in Doha, where the Prime Minister delivered the keynote address alongside other world leaders.

YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim led a fruitful official visit to Doha, accompanied by YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), and YB Datuk Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Haji Hasan, Foreign Minister and other Malaysian senior government officials including Mr. Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid the Chief Executive Officer of MIDA. The delegation was warmly welcomed by Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar.

A key highlight of the visit was the roundtable meeting held at The Ritz Carlton Hotel, Doha on 13^th May 2024. Organised by MIDA and MATRADE, with support from the Malaysian Embassy in Doha, the meeting attracted 42 representatives from 36 prominent Qatari companies. This platform allowed direct interaction with the Prime Minister, facilitating an exchange of ideas and updates on Malaysia’s economic agenda and development.

Key participants included leaders from Qatar Airways, Al Faisal Holding, Agrico, Qatari Diar, Esthimaar Holding and more.

Moderated by the MITI Minister, the roundtable presented the Prime Minister an opportunity to share his economic vision and aspiration, highlighting the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP) 2030, the National Energy Transfer Roadmap (NETR), both integral to the MADANI Economy Framework. Attendees were briefed on the Malaysian Government’s ongoing effort to attract foreign investors by reducing red tape, minimising bureaucracy and continuously improving the ease of doing business. The session highlighted Malaysia’s appeal as an investment destination, chosen by multinational companies such as Tesla, Infineon and Microsoft due to their confidence in Malaysia’s stability and business-friendly policies.

The Prime Minister also announced the establishment of the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre (IMFC), the Malaysian Government’s initiative aimed at enhancing the investor experience by providing seamless business facilitation for potential investors implementing their plans in Malaysia.

The Prime Minister’s impactful visit to Doha underscored Malaysia’s strong commitment to attract foreign investments. His economic direction under the MADANI Economy Framework resonated well with the Qatari leadership and business community. MIDA is ready to support and assist companies in executing their investment plans in Malaysia.

Positive feedback from Qatari business leaders reaffirmed Malaysia’s status as a progressive and attractive investment hub in Southeast Asia. This visit not only strengthened diplomatic and economic ties but also showcased Malaysia’s proactive approach to creating a conducive environment for foreign investors, promising a bright future for Malaysia-Qatar relations.