Anwar Backs Malaysia–France Ties in Paris, Boosting Tech and Fintech Links

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wrapped up a high-level visit to Paris this week. His meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron was the highlight. It aimed at opening new doors in trade, defense, and digital tech.

Anwar shared a post on his X, calling the trip a defining moment in Malaysia-France relations. The PM wrote shared values and a joint vision for a fairer and more inclusive future. “From the official welcome ceremony to the negotiation table, this visit carries immense meaning for the future of Malaysia-France relations,” Anwar wrote. He added that both countries were “not just trade partners, but strategic allies” committed to global peace and cooperation.

Paris Meeting Aims for Broader Economic and Tech Cooperation

Anwar’s Paris trip came just days after several major digital finance developments between Malaysia and France. On June 29, Malaysia’s Kenanga Investment Bank partnered with Ant Group, parent of Alipay. To build a financial super-app that will offer crypto, stock trading, and e-wallet features. Ant Group’s expansion ambitions in Europe, including France, position this collaboration as more than a domestic play. It signals a potential for cross-border digital finance cooperation, one that could be catalyzed by the diplomatic goodwill emerging from Anwar’s visit.

This development also highlights Malaysia’s pivot toward Web3-friendly infrastructure and fintech growth. By tying these moves to stronger ties with France, Anwar is pushing digital innovation into the core of bilateral economic strategy.

France and Malaysia Align on CBDC and Payments

Both countries are also engaged in ongoing central bank digital currency (CBDC) initiatives. France’s central bank has hosted multiple CBDC-focused webinars this summer, reinforcing its position as a digital currency thought leader in Europe. Meanwhile, Malaysia is a participant in the Bank for International Settlements’ Project Nexus and the ASEAN QR code integration effort. A region moves toward currency interoperability.

This overlap presents an opening for France and Malaysia to align not just in trade or fintech branding but in foundational digital finance architecture. A Malaysian-French policy bridge on blockchain regulation, stablecoins, or cross-border payment rails could follow naturally from these early signals.

Bank Negara’s Symposium Sets the Tone

Bank Negara Malaysia hosted the Sasana Symposium (June 27–28). The central bankers and fintech leaders discussed tokenized deposits, CBDCs, and stablecoins. With France also pushing the envelope on digital asset frameworks, the diplomatic backdrop makes a future fintech partnership even more credible.

This timing wasn’t accidental. Anwar’s administration has emphasized digital transition through its MADANI agenda, and fintech has become a core pillar. The symposium helped frame the narrative for his Paris visit, not as a routine state call. But as part of Malaysia’s broader strategy to position itself as a digital-first, globally connected economy.

Real-World Utility Driving Diplomatic Partnerships

The Kenanga-Ant partnership underscores Malaysia’s willingness to embrace regulated crypto services. France, too, has leaned into Web3 regulation within the EU’s MiCA framework. With diplomatic doors now open wider than before. This Malaysia-France fintech corridor could eventually support joint crypto pilots, blockchain compliance systems, or decentralized finance sandbox programs.

At a time when the crypto space is searching for regulatory clarity and institutional bridges. Anwar’s diplomacy has given both nations a reason to explore the frontier together. The visit wasn’t just about protocol and pageantry; it’s about laying digital bricks for a shared economic future.