In the latest official statement by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry dated 18 April 2022, the Netherlands took the first spot in Malaysia’s exports to European Union (EU) markets, with a total trade of MYR3.72 billion.
Historically, our nation was linked to the Netherlands, when the Dutch had a trade post in Malakka some 380 years ago. Presently, we are linked through modern trade, cultural exchange and technology sharing. Today, it is not hard to find the remnants and memories of Dutch influence by taking a trip to Malacca or by trying delicacies such a Broeder (Brudher) cake, ‘kruidnoten’ and Tart Nenas (pineapple tarts). Personally, this writer would like to know if there are any paintings left during that era in Malakka. Afterall the Netherlands is well-known for their painters e.g. Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals just to name a few.
H.E. Jacobi was posted to Malaysia in 2019. He holds two Master’s degrees, one in Law, from the University of Kyoto, and one in Japanese Studies, from the University of Leiden. His life in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Netherlands started in 1985 as Junior Officer on Concessional Loans to Africa.
He started working for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands in 1985 as Junior Officer on Concessional Loans to Africa. In 2001 he was assigned as Head of Economic Affairs in the Kingdom of the Netherlands Embassy in Tokyo. From 2005 till 2009, he assumed the role of Director of Human Rights and Humanitarian Aid in the Hague. Prior to his posting in Malaysia as an Ambassador, H.E. Jacobi was posted as ambassador to Tokyo (year 2015-2019) and Beijing (year 2012-2015).
Ambassador Jacobi was having very positive impressions of Malaysia even before he started working here. The beauty of nature and landscapes, the kindness of its people and the variety of cultures have captivated him.
“I enjoy most my interaction with the people in Malaysia, both officially and as a private person. I am reminded over and over again that perhaps our western lifestyle and attitudes could benefit from Malaysian practices,” he was quoted as saying.
An avid reader himself, he likes to make time to read books, some of his recent read are, The Harmony Silk Factory (by Tash Aw), My Brilliant Friend (by Ellena Ferrante), Mrs England (by Stacey Halls), The Remains of the Day, and Clara and the Sun (by Kazuo Ishiguro), The Devotion of Suspect X (by Keigo Higashino), and Small Island (by Andrea Levy).
BusinessToday: Let’s talk about trade between the Netherlands and Malaysia. What are the trade figures for 2020 versus 2021?
Ambassador: During the Covid-pandemic, trade between Malaysia and the Netherlands remained strong at around 36 billion MYR (or 8 billion EUR) per year. This is due to both our positions as gateways to Europe and ASEAN respectively. Malaysia shipped essential protective equipment such as face masks and shields to the Netherlands, not just for domestic use but also to the rest of Europe through Dutch ports. In 2021, the Netherlands also became the largest foreign investor in Malaysia, further showing the potential that Dutch companies see in the market here.
BusinessToday: What are the major exports to the Netherlands and imports from the Netherlands?
Ambassador: Malaysia exports more goods to the Netherlands than vice versa. In fact, around 6 times more. The most important products we receive from Malaysia are telecommunication equipment and electronic appliances. They account for over half of the exports to the Netherlands, with other large categories being clothing, chemicals and palm oil. Malaysian imports from the Netherlands are quite varied, ranging from equipment for science and transport to agricultural products such as vegetables, dairy and meat. Besides trade in goods, there is also trade in services between our countries, for example in the area of shipping, management services and technical services for the oil and gas sector.
The full version of this interview shall be published in print version of May magazine.
