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PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and Turkiye's economic collaborations should also prioritise small and medium enterprises (SMEs), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar said that while large-scale collaborations in sectors like petroleum and gas are important, the two countries must not overlook the significant role of SMEs.
"SMEs, as many of you represent today, are the backbone and pillar of our economies. In Malaysia, they constitute the vast majority.
"Their strength, of course, lies in SMEs, and we want both the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia and the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Turkiye, as well as the trade ministries of both countries, to focus on this second tier—SMEs."
Anwar said that SMEs in both Malaysia and Turkiye have enormous potential for growth and should be given special attention.
"We should have a forum, or a dedicated platform, to address the specific needs of this sector, focusing on capacity building, innovation, and ensuring that SMEs receive priority," he said.
He added that Malaysia's industrial master plan includes specific priorities for SMEs, including a strategic semiconductor programme.
"While we talk about large multinationals and conglomerates, we must recognise that our success depends on focusing on SMEs, particularly in terms of supply chains.
"We can only succeed if we give SMEs the chance to expand and thrive."
Present at the forum was Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, along with Malaysian officials including Investment, Trade, and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan and Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
Meanwhile, Anwar said that the bilateral and diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Turkiye are grounded not only in economic interests but also in genuine friendship and trust.
Anwar emphasised the importance of collaboration between the two countries.
He also pointed out the vast potential of both nations, highlighting their respective strengths.
"There is huge potential in both Malaysia and Turkiye. For example, Turkiye's strength in defence and Malaysia's strength in semiconductors.
"Turkiye's strength in tourism and food technology and our strength in penetrating markets within Asean and the Asian region.
"Therefore, we should collaborate effectively.
He further said; "After all these decades, we have learned the hard way that the potential is still not fully utilised and maximised.
"So, I believe that having a shared viewpoint, ideas, and vision is important, but it is not enough without support."
Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/02/1173634/malaysia-turkiye-must-also-prioritise-smes-economic-collaboration-anwar