By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 1 (Bernama) -- Strengthening economic diplomacy, particularly in trade and investment, will be a key priority for Malaysia’s newly appointed Ambassador to Finland, Datuk Amarjit Sarjit Singh, as he seeks to position Malaysia as a gateway for Finnish companies into Asia.
He said Finland and Malaysia could further expand cooperation in digitalisation, education, clean technology, the circular economy and sustainable solutions, as well as forestry, food security and smart cities.
“I would like to see more Finnish companies looking at Malaysia not only as a market but, most importantly, as a gateway into Asia.
“At the same time, we hope that more Malaysian companies will explore opportunities in Finland,” he said during a virtual appearance on Bernama TV's Bernama World programme on Tuesday.
Amarjit, Malaysia’s fifth ambassador to Finland, said the country’s dynamic economy, strategic position in Asia, strong manufacturing base and growing role in regional supply chains offered opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.
He also identified artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, electronics and healthcare as sectors with considerable potential for greater business and investment engagement.
Beyond government and commercial ties, he said people-to-people exchanges through education, tourism, cultural programmes and professional collaboration were equally important in fostering deeper understanding between the two countries.
Having recently begun his tenure, Amarjit said his immediate priorities were to listen, engage and build upon the strong foundations already established between the two countries.
“I see my role as a bridge builder, and if the bridge already exists, let me build more lanes on that bridge,” he said.
He added that Malaysia could also help Finland deepen its understanding of ASEAN and Southeast Asia while bringing Malaysian and ASEAN perspectives into bilateral engagement.
-- BERNAMA