He said that for the last one and a half years, Malaysia has been seen as a hub for microchip semiconductors in the region through many investments by major foreign companies.

“Our future capabilities, our ability to build on our own strength among emerging economies… that’s Uzbekistan and Malaysia,” he said in his remarks at the high-level Uzbekistan-Malaysia Business Forum at the Silk Road Samarkand Complex here last night.

About 200 companies from both countries attended the business forum, in which Uzbekistan deputy prime minister Jamshid Khodjaev was also present.

Anwar said both countries should focus on working together in areas such as digital transformation, energy transition and halal development.

He also noted that trade and investment between the two countries has increased yearly.

“We have to increase our collaboration (between the two countries). We can facilitate the process (the ease of doing business),” he said.

In 2023, total trade between Malaysia and Uzbekistan was RM451.1 million (US$94.03 million), with exports to Uzbekistan amounting to RM449 million and imports amounting to RM1.99 million.

Anwar is currently in Uzbekistan for a three-day official visit that began with his arrival in Tashkent on Friday.

His delegation includes foreign minister Mohamad Hassan; investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz; tourism, arts and culture minister Tiong King Sing and religious affairs minister Naim Mokhtar.