Currently, with more than 300 French companies established in Malaysia, France has a considerable economic presence in the country. This represents a total turnover of RM20 billion in 2019 with over 30,000 - mostly Malaysian - employees.
In an interview with Business Today, His Excellency Frédéric Laplanche, French ambassador to Malaysia, talks on promoting more depth and diversity in future industrial cooperation between France and Malaysia and on the current Covid-19 pandemic.
How would you summarise the current state of the diplomatic relation between Malaysia and France?
The relations between both countries are very deep and diverse. They have developed enormously over the past 60 years. What both nations have strongly focused on are bilateral trades, a highly developed strategic defence cooperation and, also, in the field of culture, education and language. These are the focal points which have contributed to a full-fledged strong relationship.
There are still many projects in the pipeline to be developed and plenty of investments from France coming into Malaysia. And of course, we want to attract more Malaysian businesses into France, too.
We are very positive, and we want to give new dynamics to this relationship.
Has the issue of palm oil soured relations? Is there a middle ground somewhere to deter it from escalating into a trade dispute which nobody wants in this current scenario?
Firstly, contrary to what many people think, there is no ban on palm oil in the European Union (EU) and France. Furthermore, we are one of the largest consumers of palm oil. If you look at the statistics for 2019, the import of palm oil from Malaysia into the EU increased by 9.5 percent. This shows that our consumption is growing and will continue to grow.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Time Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm
The Aortic Abdominal Aneurysm happens when the wall of the blood vessels starts to weaken which forms an Aneurysm that is commonly known as balloon-like dilation.
The Lexus ES 250 Features A New F Sport Variant
The 2022 Lexus ES facelift has arrived in Malaysia- First unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2021 in April this year.
Heading: Try -180°C Therapeutic Treatment Called Cryotherapy To Improve Overall Health
Health has gained a significant attention in this pandemic and being at your best form is a good way to fight the current problems in every aspect of health from fitness, depression, pain management, sports injury, antiageing, weight loss and beauty.
Is It Too Late To Start Investing In Bitcoin?
The noise around Bitcoin has risen sharply in the last month after the world’s most popular cryptocurrency reached its all-time high on 9 November 2021. With all the talk of its price continuing to grow, it is easy to think that it might be too late to start investing in Bitcoin. However, it is not too late and, in fact, Bitcoin adopters are actually early. Bitcoin, and cryptocurrency in general, has received mainstream adoption and looks to be around for years to come.
Smart SBB To Boost Farmers Income
Director-General for the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI), Azman Mahmood, in a special meet the media session, led the pre-launch briefing of Project Smart Sawah Berskala Besar (Smart SBB) a day before the official launch by his Minister.
Budget 2022 – Seizing The Right Moment
The recent data point suggests Malaysia will stand to benefit from the global recovery.
Power Of Role Model – How The Habits Of Parents And Kids Are Interrelated?
A new global survey, commissioned by Kaspersky, explores the role of healthy digital habits in the family, as well as the effect of parents’ behavior on children and vice versa
Better Late Than Never, But Act Now
The world should now be more aware of likely COVID-19 devastation unless urgently checked. Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced an US$8 billion plan to quickly vaccinate many more people to expedite ending the pandemic.
Accelerates MSMEs Digitalisation Journey
97.2% of businesses in Malaysia are made up of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This important business sector plays a significant role in the Malaysian economy by contributing 38.2% of Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). MSMEs also contributes significantly in providing job opportunities.
Leadership That Can Prevent Toxic Workplaces And High Turnover
“It is our organisation’s mission to create the largest and most productive coworking community in Malaysia & moving forward, South East Asia,”
