EU Seeks Stronger Green Industry, Digital Ties With Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR, May 15 (Bernama) -- The European Union (EU) is seeking deeper cooperation with Malaysia in the areas of green industry and digital, said the EU ambassador to Malaysia, Rafael Daerr.

He said that both the EU and Malaysia share common environmental goals, demonstrated by their strong commitments under the Paris Agreement.

“Malaysia is equally committed. Just look at the decisions it has made — the National Climate Change Policy 2.0, the National Energy Transition Roadmap, the National Adaptation Plan, and targets such as preserving 50 per cent of its forest cover, reducing carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030, and achieving net zero by 2050. These are incredibly ambitious goals, and the efforts are clearly visible.

“That is a strong reason to work together,” Daerr said during Bernama TV’s “The Nation: Diplomatic Dispatch” programme, titled “Malaysia and the European Union”, today.

He said that several EU member states are at the forefront of green technology, and they are already present in Malaysia and eager to deepen their involvement, presenting an opportunity for enhanced cooperation.

Regarding digital cooperation, Daerr highlighted 5G as a key example, noting the Malaysian government’s visionary decision to establish Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB), a unique wholesale network model unlike any other in the world, with an EU company providing the technology.

“This move propelled Malaysia from the 70th spot to the top three in terms of 5G-connected countries in the world, absolutely amazing success.

“What we now want to see is to build on this, to have the framework for Industry 4.0 for consumers and businesses to profit from it,” he said.

Daerr emphasised that investors, who are closely monitoring the 5G development, are keen to see the successful model preserved as it is; only then can additional innovations be built around it. 
-- BERNAMA