Malaysia’s longstanding relationship with Turkiye is evolving beyond diplomacy into stronger economic cooperation, offering new opportunities for Malaysian business and trade growth.
🤝 Closer Cooperation Built on Trust
According to the Prime Minister, Malaysia’s ties with Turkiye have been reinforced by mutual trust and a shared approach to partnership. These strengthened relations are now driving deeper cooperation in trade, investment, and global economic engagement — a positive sign for Malaysian exporters and investors looking at regional expansion.
During a recent three-day official visit to Turkiye, the Prime Minister noted that leadership friendship and mutual respect have paved the way for more effective collaboration on initiatives that go beyond traditional trade.
📈 Trade and Investment: A Growing Focus
Economic cooperation remains at the core of Malaysia–Turkiye relations. While current bilateral trade levels are modest relative to both nations’ economic scale, efforts are underway to increase trade volume significantly, with a target of reaching US$10 billion in the coming years.
For Malaysian businesses, this emphasis on expanding trade could translate into new export markets, joint ventures, and investment partnerships — particularly in sectors where Turkiye has strategic strengths.
🌏 Turkiye as a Gateway to Emerging Markets
Malaysia Prime Minister highlighted Turkiye’s role as a “pivotal partner” that can help Malaysia and ASEAN companies tap into markets beyond Southeast Asia. The partnership could open regional corridors for growth, especially in sectors such as defence technology, education, research, and infrastructure — areas where Turkiye has competitive capabilities.
This underscores a broader trend where Malaysia, while maintaining balanced global engagements, is diversifying its economic partnerships to stay competitive in an increasingly interconnected world economy.
What Malaysian Businesses Should Watch
Malaysia’s total trade with Turkiye reached RM21.2 billion (approximately US$4.9 billion) in the first 11 months of 2025, underlining Turkiye’s importance as a key economic partner.
Business leaders and SMEs should consider:
- Exploring export opportunities in Turkish markets
- Identifying strategic partners for joint investments
- Leveraging multilateral platforms where both countries participate
- Engaging in sectors with mutual strengths, such as tech, manufacturing, and education
📌 Bottom Line
The strengthening Malaysia–Turkiye relationship is more than a diplomatic success — it’s a growing economic bridge that could support Malaysian businesses as they scale regionally and globally. With deeper bilateral cooperation, companies that stay informed and