“(The potential) for expanding (collaboration with) Southeast Asia is immense. Together, we can create global biofuel markets based on sustainability parameters developed by the Global South instead of standards imposed by richer countries,” he said.
Biofuels offer a cost-effective and rapidly deployable solution for a wide range of sectors — from light vehicles to aviation and maritime transport — with the potential to reduce emissions. They are therefore a key component of the global clean energy transition.
Lula was speaking at the Leader Fireside Chat session, moderated by Asean Business Advisory Council Indonesia chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie, during the Asean Business and Investment Summit 2025 held at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre here today.
The event coincided with the 47th Asean Summit and Related Summits taking place from today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Lula also called on Asean countries to take part in the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP 30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Belem, Brazil, from Nov 10-21, 2025.
“l’d like to invite all Asean countries to attend COP 30. I hope that all Asean countries are able to contribute.
“This is going to be a definitive moment in relation to our world leaders, and a call to action to adopt declarations with practical propositions and a road map on how we can increase climate financing to US$1.3 trillion,” he said.
Furthermore, he also highlighted Brazil’s new collaboration with Malaysia in a semiconductor programme which is going to incentivise the sector through financing and tax breaks for Brazilian and Malaysian researchers.
“Through the partnership, we are going to collaborate on the development of new materials for manufacturing chips. Brazilian and Malaysian companies are going to work together in the implementation of semiconductor plants in the south of Brazil,” he added.
Lula was among the high-profile leaders who attended the opening ceremony of the summit, hosted by prime minister and Asean chair 2025 Anwar Ibrahim. Today marks the second day of Lula’s three-day official visit to Malaysia from Oct 25 to Oct 27.
This is Lula’s first official visit to Malaysia since returning to office in January 2023.