Poland Eyes Malaysia As Regional Hub For Cooperation, Sees Huge Potential In High-tech, Defence
By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram
KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 (Bernama) -- Poland sees strong potential to expand its economic and investment footprint in Malaysia, particularly in high-technology, defence and dual-use sectors, positioning the country as a strategic gateway to the wider Southeast Asia region.
Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH) Export Support Department key expert Piotr Placha said Malaysia offers significant opportunities for long-term collaboration, underpinned by its fast-growing economy and geostrategic location along the Strait of Malacca.
“Malaysia seems to be the best hub for cooperation in the whole region, not only within the country but across Southeast Asia,” he told Bernama on the sidelines of the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (NATSEC) Asia 2026 exhibition here today.
Placha said Poland is keen to deepen engagement in high-value sectors, particularly cybersecurity, aerospace, satellite communications and emerging technologies such as quantum computing.
“These are areas with huge potential for cooperation. Dual-use technologies are especially attractive as they can serve both civilian and military purposes, offering more stable and diversified business opportunities,” he said.
He noted that Polish firms are increasingly focusing on solutions that integrate civil and defence applications, including earth observation systems for environmental monitoring, border control and disaster management.
Placha said while current Polish defence exports to Malaysia remain limited, existing collaborations provide a strong foundation for further expansion.
Among the notable examples is the PT-91M main battle tank supplied to Malaysia, produced by Polish state-owned defence group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ).
Another key player is WB Group, which has maintained a presence in Malaysia for over a decade through its local operations, offering advanced communications and intercom systems for military vehicles.
“These companies represent both state-owned and private sector strengths, which is important as firms operating across civilian and military markets tend to be more resilient and stable,” he said.
Currently, Placha said, only a handful of Polish defence and dual-use companies are active in Malaysia, but interest is growing, with 12 Polish firms participating in DSA 2026 to explore partnerships and showcase capabilities ranging from research and development to drone technologies and advanced camouflage systems.
Beyond defence, he pointed to broader economic ties, including Malaysian investments in Poland such as MR DIY, which has been expanding its retail footprint in the European country.
“This shows that the relationship is not one-sided. There is mutual interest in investing and growing businesses in both markets,” he added.
Placha said discussions at DSA 2026 have been encouraging, with several promising engagements underway, although formal agreements may take time given the complexity of defence collaborations.
He said both sides are expected to explore follow-up trade and investment missions, including potential participation by Malaysian companies in the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce, one of Europe’s defence exhibitions.
“International cooperation is essential, especially in sectors like defence and advanced technologies where knowledge exchange and joint development are key,” he said.
Looking ahead, Placha emphasised that Poland’s participation in European Union-backed programmes, including initiatives supporting innovation and defence collaboration, could further enhance opportunities for Malaysian partnerships.
“Malaysia’s growth trajectory and strategic positioning make it a very attractive partner. The potential is huge and we are keen to build long-term as well as meaningful cooperation,” he added.
Malaysia-Poland bilateral trade achieved phenomenal growth of US$430.35 million (US$1 = RM3.95), an increase of 48.5 per cent year-on-year, in January to March 2026, driven by strong export performance in key sectors and sustained import demand.
Malaysia's primary exports to Poland include electrical and electronic products, rubber products and machinery, while key imports from Poland consist of machinery, equipment and parts, electrical and electronic products as well as transport equipment.
-- BERNAMA