KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian waters should continue to be a welcoming zone for all maritime industries and nations wishing to engage in trade, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Anwar said not many countries are as fortunate as Malaysia, which is considered friendly to all nations, with excellent engagement with the United States and Europe, and increasing bilateral trade relations with China.
"(And) during my meeting with the Russian foreign minister (Sergey Lavrov), I did indicate our interest to be part of (the intergovernmental organisation) BRICS.
"Now the only consideration is, of course, trade and investment and being recognised as an independent country that can serve as a hub for international trade between the West and the East.
"We have played that role in the past, and we should be confident enough to determine our course of action, our priorities, and our strategic interests defined on our terms.
"This dynamic neutrality will certainly bear results. As a trading nation, we need to increase foreign trade; therefore, Malaysian waters should remain an area that is most welcoming to all maritime industries and countries wishing to continue trading with us," he said in his speech while officiating the Malaysia Maritime Week (MMW) 2024.
Present was Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Anwar added the Transport Ministry will coordinate efforts to render support so that the maritime industry emerges stronger force and maritime business becomes more resilient.
"We inherit a system which is not alien, in terms of its vibrancy, because we talk about thousands of ships even in those days.
"So I think it is timely for the government, led by the Transport Ministry to coordinate efforts and give whatever is required to render the support so that the industry emerges as a stronger force and maritime business becomes more resilient.
"Shipping must continue to be considered as the bloodline that supports connectivity which is an essential part of global trade."
Anwar added: "At present, between 80 and 90 per cent of Malaysia's exports are done via sea transport or the maritime industry, which means in terms of cost it is more competitive and efficient.
"We are proud to say that ports like Port Klang, Port of Tanjung Pelepas and Penang are among those emerging to be more effective and competitive.
"I believe with the support of the industry, we can ensure that we are not only in the Top 20, but probably under (transport) minister Anthony Loke, we can reach the Top 10 because we have the potential.
"What we need is the required support and the private sector must take the lead and I can assure you on the part of the government we need to do more."