French-Malaysian Business Ties Celebrated at CCI France Malaysia Gala Night 2024

The Malaysian French Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIFM) hosted its annual Gala Night on November 4, 2024, at Hilton Kuala Lumpur, showcasing the thriving economic relationship between France and Malaysia. The event highlighted France's position as Malaysia's third-largest trading partner within the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching €5.28 billion (MYR26 billion) in 2023.

The Gala Night, attended by over 400 guests, celebrated the expanding French economic footprint in Malaysia. Currently, 600 French entities, including 300 subsidiaries and 300 entrepreneurs, are established in the country, collectively employing approximately 30,000 people. This significant presence underscores the growing importance of French investment in Malaysia's economic landscape.

As Malaysia prepares to assume the Chair of ASEAN on January 1, 2025, the event also served as a platform to express support for Malaysia's upcoming leadership role in the regional bloc. This transition comes at a crucial time for both countries as they seek to strengthen their economic ties within the broader context of Southeast Asian cooperation.

The Gala Night featured the presentation of the prestigious CCIFM Excellence Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to Franco-Malaysian business relations. Awards were given in various categories, including Outstanding Achievements for both large companies and SMEs, Entrepreneur of the Year, Corporate Social Responsibility, France-Malaysia Smart Partnership, and Image of France. Notable winners included Decathlon, Nazsoft Tech, and Club Med, among others.

The event also highlighted the Chamber's commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. CCIFM initiated the planting of 400 trees in the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, one for each guest at the Gala Night. This initiative, in partnership with APE Malaysia, demonstrates the Chamber's dedication to preserving Malaysia's biodiversity and contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

The success of the French-Malaysian economic partnership is attributed to the strong collaboration between various institutions, including the French Embassy, Business France, French Trade Advisors, and Malaysian agencies such as MIDA, MATRADE, and InvestKL. This cooperation has been instrumental in positioning Malaysia as a strategic destination for French businesses looking to expand in the Asia-Pacific region.

As bilateral trade continues to grow, the Gala Night served as a testament to the resilience and potential of the French-Malaysian economic relationship. The event not only celebrated current achievements but also set the stage for future collaborations and investments. With Malaysia's upcoming ASEAN chairmanship and the continued expansion of French businesses in the country, the economic ties between the two nations are poised for further growth and diversification.

The strong turnout and high-profile attendees, including government officials and business leaders from both countries, underline the importance of this partnership. As France solidifies its position as a key European trading partner for Malaysia, and Malaysian businesses continue to engage with French expertise and technology, the bilateral relationship is expected to play an increasingly significant role in shaping the economic landscape of Southeast Asia.