Malaysia-France Business Ties Mark 35 Years
The Malaysia-France business community marked 35 years of bilateral cooperation at the CCIFM Gala Night 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together government representatives, corporate leaders and investors to explore opportunities in trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth.
Malaysia and France are looking to build on 35 years of business cooperation, with trade, investment, technology and sustainable development emerging as key areas for deeper collaboration.
The milestone was marked at the Malaysia-France Gala Night 2026, organised by the French Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI France Malaysia or CCIFM) at the Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur on 30 October.
The event brought together government representatives, business executives, corporate partners and members of the Malaysian-French business community to celebrate the longstanding relationship and identify opportunities for future commercial engagement.
Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Sim Tze Tzin attended as Guest of Honour, alongside French Ambassador to Malaysia Marc Abensour.
In his opening address, CCIFM President Richard Fostier reflected on the chamber's 35-year journey in facilitating business relations between the two countries, highlighting the importance of strengthening cooperation as companies navigate changing global economic conditions.
The areas identified for future collaboration include trade, investment, innovation and sustainable growth, reflecting the breadth of the economic relationship and the opportunities available to businesses in both markets.
The gala also provided a platform for companies to strengthen commercial connections, exchange ideas and explore potential partnerships, reinforcing the role of business chambers in connecting international investors with local markets.
A key highlight of the evening was the presentation of the CCIFM Excellence Awards 2026, recognising organisations and individuals for their contributions to Malaysia-France business relations.
The strong corporate participation reflected the depth of French business involvement in Malaysia, with companies from sectors including banking, aerospace, chemicals, automotive, luxury goods, engineering, energy, manufacturing and professional services supporting the event.
BNP Paribas was the platinum partner, while the gold partners included Airbus, Arkema, Ayvens, CHANEL, JLL, L'Oréal, Michelin, Rotortrade, Safran, Schneider Electric, STMicroelectronics, Technip Energies and TotalEnergies.
Silver partners included Air Liquide, Cegos Group, CMA CGM, Iraya Energies and Stellantis. Air France-KLM, Club Med, Monin and Pernod Ricard were among the event's supporters.
The participation of companies across these industries highlights the diversified nature of the Malaysia-France commercial relationship, which extends beyond traditional trade into advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, energy transition, transport and consumer markets.
For Malaysia, maintaining strong European business partnerships remains important as the country seeks to attract higher-value investments, strengthen industrial capabilities and position itself within increasingly complex international supply chains.
France, meanwhile, has an established corporate presence in Malaysia, with its companies participating in several of the country's key economic sectors.
As the chamber enters its next chapter, the 35th anniversary provides an opportunity to translate longstanding commercial relationships into new investment projects, technology partnerships and business opportunities.
The CCIFM said it looked forward to building on the milestone by strengthening connections and creating further opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
