ASLI, in collaboration with the Parliament of Malaysia and Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia, Sunway University, invites you to the ASLI Insights Series event "Navigating Horizons: EU-Malaysia Relations and the Indo-Pacific Strategy".

Honourable Jan Zahradil, Member of the European Parliament, Vice-Chair of the International Trade Committee in the EU Parliament & European Parliament's rapporteur on the Indo-Pacific strategy in the area of trade and investment will lead the discourse, focusing on the evolving dynamics of the EU-Malaysia relations within the broader context of the Indo-Pacific strategy.

Date: 11 January 2024
Time: 10.00 AM - 12.00 PM
Venue: JC 3, Level 1, Sunway University

The session will explore the EU's seven strategic priority areas in the Indo-Pacific and the vital role of Malaysia in this cooperative landscape, emphasising our mutual pursuit of stability and sustainable development. The EU is a key economic partner for Malaysia, making this discussion essential for all stakeholders.

About the event

This event hosts a pivotal discussion platform focusing on the evolving dynamics of EUMalaysia relations within the broader context of the Indo-Pacific strategy. The session aims to provide in-depth insights into trade, investment, and diplomatic relations between the EU and Malaysia, and how these relations fit into the larger strategic landscape of the Indo-Pacific region.

The speaker for this event will be the Honourable Jan Zahradil, Member of the European Parliament & Vice-Chair of the International Trade Committee who will be sharing his insights on the European Union’s Indo-Pacific strategy, through his official capacity as the European Parliament's rapporteur on the Indo-Pacific strategy in the area of trade and investment.

About the theme

The theme “Navigating Horizons: EU-Malaysia Relations and the Indo-Pacific Strategy” captures the evolving collaboration between the EU and Malaysia, especially relevant in the context of the EU’s comprehensive strategy for cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. The EU and Indo-Pacific countries, including Malaysia, share a mutual interest in each other's security and prosperity, emphasising the need to uphold a rules-based international order and support responsible international cooperation.

Recent trade data between the EU and Malaysia highlights that in 2022, bilateral trade in goods totalled €50.3 billion. The EU is Malaysia's fourth-largest trading partner, underscoring the economic importance of this relationship within the Indo-Pacific strategy.

The EU’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific encompasses seven main priority areas: Connectivity, Ocean Governance, Sustainability, Inclusive Prosperity, Green Transition, Security and Defence, and Human Security. These areas reflect a commitment to fostering sustainable and inclusive prosperity while addressing shared global challenges.

This strategic approach, coupled with the evolving trade relationship, underpins the significance of the EU-Malaysia partnership within the larger Indo-Pacific framework. The event's discussions will explore these themes, offering insights into how this partnership can contribute to the broader objectives of stability, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region.

Key outcomes

• Gain valuable insights into the current state and future prospects of EU-Malaysia relations.
• Understand the implications of the Indo-Pacific strategy for regional trade and investment.
• Engage in meaningful dialogue with experts and policymakers. 
• Network with professionals and stakeholders in the field of diplomacy, international relations and trade.

Who should attend?

• Policy Makers and Government Officials
• Academics and Students of International Relations and Economics
• Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs
• Diplomats and International Affairs Experts
• Members of Think Tanks and NGOs