Malaysia to review D-8 trade target of over US$500 billion before Cabinet consideration
Ahmad Zahid also plans talks on Malaysia’s trade surplus with Türkiye after Turkish officials sought higher Malaysian imports.
Malaysia will examine a D-8 goal of lifting trade among its members to over US$500 billion by 2030 before taking it to the Cabinet, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
Speaking to Malaysian media in Istanbul, Ahmad Zahid said he would consult Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan on Malaysia’s possible contribution. He had discussed the goal with D-8 Secretary-General Sohail Mahmood during a courtesy call on Nov 6.
Ahmad Zahid said active efforts to expand trade, drawing on members’ markets and economic potential, could make the target achievable.
Separately, he plans to discuss the Malaysia-Türkiye trade imbalance with Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani. Malaysia currently records a surplus in bilateral trade. According to Ahmad Zahid, the Turkish side asked Malaysia to consider buying more Turkish goods to help balance the relationship.
His Nov 5-8 working visit to Türkiye covered efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation across diplomacy, trade, defence and education. He also attended the TRT World Forum 2026 on Nov 6 at the Istanbul Congress Centre.
