Macron to make first visit to Malaysia, boost bilateral ties to strategic partnership

Macron Malaysia Visit Lifts Ties to Strategic Partnership

Quick Answer: French President Emmanuel Macron makes his first official visit to Malaysia on Nov 16 and 17, with both countries set to elevate ties to a strategic partnership. Bilateral trade reached €4.7 billion (approximately RM21.23 billion) in 2025, up 11% from 2024. For Bursa Malaysia investors, critical minerals, semiconductors and the energy transition are the sectors worth monitoring.

The Macron Malaysia visit is the first trip to Malaysia by a French president. It follows his state visit to Cambodia from Nov 14 to 16, which includes the 20th Francophonie Summit in Phnom Penh on Nov 15 and 16.

What Is on the Macron Malaysia Visit Agenda?

Macron Malaysia visit and Malaysia-France strategic partnership
Kuala Lumpur, where Macron’s official visit takes place on Nov 16 and 17

Both countries will raise their longstanding ties to a strategic partnership. The scope covers defence and security, critical minerals, energy transition, aeronautics and space, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and semiconductors.

The French Presidency said the two countries will build cooperation on common priorities. Relations between Europe and Asean are also on the table.

Macron Malaysia Visit Lifts Ties to Strategic Partnership
Photo: TheEdge

Why Does Malaysia Matter to France Within Asean?

France described Malaysia as a key partner of France and the European Union within Asean. It pointed to Malaysia’s chairmanship of the regional bloc in 2025.

Both sides share a commitment to multilateralism and compliance with international law. The Presidency said they are working to support peace and stability in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

How Big Is France’s Trade With Malaysia?

  • Bilateral trade: €4.7 billion (about RM21.23 billion) in 2025, up 11% from 2024
  • Ranking as economic partner: France is Malaysia’s 10th-largest economic partner
  • EU ranking: third among EU member states
  • French investment: 12th-largest investor in Malaysia and second-largest European investor in 2025
  • French footprint: around 300 subsidiaries of French companies and 300 French-owned businesses under local law, employing some 30,000 people

Why Does the Carester and Malaco Mining Deal Matter?

French company Carester and Malaysian firm Malaco Mining signed an industrial partnership in 2025 during Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Paris. The deal aims to develop local rare earth element mining and separation capabilities.

The partners say the project will meet the highest environmental and social standards. The source does not state whether Malaco Mining is listed on Bursa Malaysia, so confirm its listing status before tracking it.

Where Do Semiconductors and Energy Fit In?

France listed cooperation on the energy transition, civil nuclear energy, sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture projects. These are the energy areas where the two countries plan to work together.

The Presidency said Malaysia’s capacity in semiconductor manufacturing and packaging complements French expertise in research, design and specialised technologies. It added that this could help diversify and strengthen the resilience of global supply chains.

Does the Visit Build on Anwar’s Paris Trip?

Anwar’s official visit to France in July 2025 was the first by a Malaysian head of government in 15 years. The Presidency called Macron’s trip “a new step” in bilateral relations.

The last French presidential visit to Malaysia was in March 2017, when Francois Hollande made a two-day state visit. That visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Key Takeaways

  • Macron’s visit runs Nov 16 and 17, and lifts Malaysia-France ties to a strategic partnership.
  • Bilateral trade hit €4.7 billion (about RM21.23 billion) in 2025, up 11% from 2024.
  • Critical minerals, semiconductors and energy transition are the sectors worth monitoring on Bursa Malaysia.
  • Carester and Malaco Mining’s 2025 rare earth partnership is the only named corporate deal in the briefing.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold any security. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Macron’s visit to Malaysia?

Macron makes an official visit to Malaysia on Nov 16 and 17. It is his first trip to the country and follows his state visit to Cambodia from Nov 14 to 16.

How much is France-Malaysia trade worth?

Bilateral trade reached €4.7 billion, approximately RM21.23 billion, in 2025. That was an increase of 11% from 2024.

Which sectors does the Malaysia-France strategic partnership cover?

The partnership covers defence and security, critical minerals, energy transition, aeronautics and space, AI, cybersecurity and semiconductors. The Presidency also cited civil nuclear energy, sustainable aviation fuel and carbon capture.

Is Malaco Mining listed on Bursa Malaysia?

The source does not say whether Malaco Mining is listed on Bursa Malaysia. Check the Bursa Malaysia listed issuers directory before tracking the company.


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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before making investment decisions.

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