France seeks joint venture opportunities with Sarawak, says French envoy

KUCHING, March 11 2026: French Ambassador to Malaysia Marc Abensour, who paid a courtesy call on Premier Abang Johari Openg, said he is exploring joint investment opportunities between his country and Sarawak in an effort to strengthen strategic cooperation across several key sectors of mutual interest 

Caption: Premier Abang Johari Openg (3rd from right) and French Ambassador to Malaysia Marc Abensour (4th from right) posing for camera before they hold discussions

He said the discussions with the premier focused on efforts to empower cooperation in several strategic sectors including Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), maritime and aviation industries, renewable energy, oil and gas encompassing both upstream and downstream activities and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technology.

These sectors align with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which emphasises sustainable economic growth, the development of renewable energy, and the expansion of the digital economy.

 Marc Abensour also recognised Sarawak's growing position as a preferred destination for high-tech and sustainable investments, supported by abundant renewable energy resources and robust industrial infrastructure.

With a stable political environment, he stated that Sarawak offers confidence and security for long-term investments, complemented by its strategic position in Borneo as a gateway to the wider ASEAN community market.

Also present were the Director of the Sarawak Regional Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Fenny Nuli, Deputy Economic Counsellor Bouthaina Harfi, and  Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the French Embassy in Malaysia Thierry d’Anna.