Anwar bolsters Malaysian-French partnership in Paris, bolsters collaboration in technology and fintech sectors.
Malaysia's Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Anwar Ibrahim, recently embarked on a trade mission to France, marking a significant step in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations. This visit, in July 2025, underscored a growing focus on digital transformation and financial technology, setting the stage for Malaysia's ambition to become a globally connected digital economy.
Highlights of the mission included potential investments worth RM4 billion from French companies, primarily in sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, aerospace, renewable energy, tourism, the digital economy, and sustainable infrastructure. Export prospects of RM675 million were identified in high-impact sectors, including the digital economy.
Digital economy is a key priority within Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and Green Investment Strategy. Although specific projects on digital finance or Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) were not detailed, the inclusion of digital economy as a priority indicates growing cooperation opportunities in fintech, digital payment systems, and related innovations.
One such opportunity could be the collaboration between France and Malaysia on projects related to CBDCs. Discussions at the Sasanam conference, hosted by Bank Negara Malaysia from 27 to 28 June, focused on symbolic tokens, CBDCs, and stablecoins.
The diplomatic partnership between Malaysia and France could potentially boost joint digital currency projects, blockchain compliance systems, or decentralized green finance programs. This cooperation aims to develop an advanced financial app offering features like digital currencies, stock trading, and e-wallets.
The relationship between Malaysia and France transcends mere commercial partnership, elevating to a strategic cooperation level. The diplomacy of both nations has provided impetus to explore new frontiers together, such as regulatory clarity and institutional bridges. The Sasanam conference, which coincided with Anwar Ibrahim's visit to Paris, further enhanced the credibility of the future financial technology partnership between the two countries.
Anwar described the visit as a turning point in Malaysia-French relations, with both nations expressing shared values and a united vision for a more just and inclusive future. The visit aimed to explore new opportunities in trade, defense, and digital technology, reflecting France’s increased capital investment in Malaysia, which signifies a strategic European pivot toward Southeast Asia and Southeast Asia’s role in global supply chains.
Notably, Malaysia is involved in efforts to integrate the quick response code of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This integration could further facilitate digital collaboration between Malaysia and France, potentially paving the way for joint initiatives in the digital finance sector.
In summary, the latest developments in Malaysia-France economic and technological cooperation, particularly in digital finance and CBDCs, are part of a broader strengthening of bilateral ties. While there are no explicit public details on joint development projects or pilot programs directly involving CBDCs between Malaysia and France as of July 2025, the emphasis on digital economy cooperation hints at a strong potential for future collaboration, including in areas like digital finance innovation and CBDCs, considering global trends toward digital currency development.
- What are the potential investments French companies are considering in Malaysia? They are primarily in sectors such as high-tech manufacturing, aerospace, renewable energy, tourism, the digital economy, and sustainable infrastructure.
- In Malaysia’s digital economy strategy, what is a key priority? The digital economy is a key priority within Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and Green Investment Strategy.
- What was a discussion point at the Sasanam conference hosted by Bank Negara Malaysia? Discussions at the Sasanam conference focused on symbolic tokens, Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), and stablecoins.
- How could the diplomatic partnership between Malaysia and France potentially boost digital collaboration? This cooperation aims to develop an advanced financial app offering features like digital currencies, stock trading, and e-wallets.
- What is one potential area of collaboration between France and Malaysia regarding digital finance? One such opportunity could be the collaboration between France and Malaysia on projects related to CBDCs.
- Why could the integration of the quick response code of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) facilitate digital collaboration between Malaysia and France? This integration could further facilitate digital collaboration between Malaysia and France, potentially paving the way for joint initiatives in the digital finance sector.
