ABU DHABI: Deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) capital to kickstart his seven-day official work visit.
The special aircraft carrying Zahid landed at the Al Bateen Airport at 3.12pm local time.
He was welcomed by the UAE Energy and Infrastructure Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei and Malaysian ambassador designate to the UAE Tengku Datuk Sirajuzzaman Tengku Mohamed Ariffin.
It is Zahid's inaugural official work visit to the UAE since becoming deputy prime minister on Dec 3, 2022.
Meanwhile, Tengku Sirajuzzaman said Zahid is expected to highlight the various initiatives under the Madani Economy Frame aimed at providing a conducive environment to attract foreign investors to Malaysia.
"He will also meet with industry players and stakeholders in the UAE that include the fields of education, artificial intelligence (AI) and natural disaster management which is Space42, as well as NAFFCO FAZO (National Fire Fighting Manufacturing FZCO - a Middle East based firefighting products manufacturer).
"Zahid is scheduled to launch the participation of Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) in Middle East Organic and Natural Product Expo at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Nov 18.
"Malaysia's participation will strengthen MIHAS's status as a globally recognised trade exhibition and at the same time, position the country as a leading player in the international halal landscape," he said in a media briefing with Malaysian reporters.
Tengku Sirajuzzaman said the bilateral relations between Malaysia and the UAE began in 1973 and since then, the ties between the two countries have grown steadily due to close economic relations, mutual respect and cooperation in various fields.
Both countries, he said, held the Joint Committee for Cooperation meeting here on June 4 this year and have recently concluded discussions on the Malaysia-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement.
He said the UAE is Malaysia's second largest trading partner, the second largest export destination and the second largest import destination from the West Asia region.
Last year, Malaysia's total trade with the UAE increased by 5.4 per cent from RM37.6 billion (USD8.53 billion) to RM39.63 billion (USD8.67 billion) compared to 2022, he said.
"The UAE is one of the largest foreign investors in Malaysia among West Asia countries and its current major investments include Mubadala Petroleum, Lulu Hypermarket, Medini Development dan Landmark Group.
"Meanwhile, Malaysian investment in the UAE is RM1.4 billion (USD375.9 million) and Malaysian companies operating in the UAE include Petronas, TNB, UEM, Eversendai Corporation, Shing Yang Shipping and Marrybrown.
"Malaysia encourages UAE investors to continue actively exploring investment opportunities in high value projects.
"Among the potential areas that can be explored together with the UAE are pharmaceuticals, digital and green economy, AI, electric and electronics, chemicals and aerospace," he said.