Export Finance Australia and EXIM Bank Malaysia Forge Strategic Partnership to Boost Regional Investment and Bilateral Trade

Media release

Kuala Lumpur, 27 October 2025

Export Finance Australia (EFA) and Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank Malaysia) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation and unlock new opportunities for investment across Southeast Asia. Formalised on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur and coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Australia, the MoU underscores a shared commitment to deepen economic integration and advance regional priorities.  

Under this strategic collaboration, both institutions will explore co-financing and risk-sharing arrangements for projects of mutual interest, including infrastructure development, energy transition, digital economy, education and healthcare. The MoU also provides a framework for knowledge exchange in ESG integration, risk management, and product innovation. This partnership complements Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040 (Invested) and Malaysia’s national development agendas, including NIMP 2030, NETR, RMK13 and the Malaysia MADANI economic framework. 

The MoU builds on EFA’s active role in supporting the Australian Government’s implementation of Invested. EFA has financing specialists on the ground in Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam as part of the Investment Deal Teams initiative. It also administers the Government’s $2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility (SEAIFF). Together, these efforts help identify and support strategically important infrastructure projects and facilitate Australian businesses’ trade and investment across Southeast Asia, creating a strong foundation for the opportunities created under this MoU. 

Looking ahead, EXIM Bank Malaysia will leverage its targeted programs to operationalise this MoU, including the RM500 million Skim Eksport Lonjakan to scale up Malaysian exporters and the Malaysia Global Connect (MGC) Go Export Cover Program to protect businesses expanding into strategic markets. These initiatives will accelerate the pipeline of joint EFA–EXIM opportunities and attract private investment. EXIM Bank Malaysia has exposure of RM181.1 million to Australia, providing a strong foundation for future collaboration. 

"This agreement represents another meaningful step in advancing Invested 2040, as Export Finance Australia continues to strengthen ties with regional export credit agencies to unlock new investment opportunities." said Mr John Hopkins, Managing Director & CEO of Export Finance Australia.  

"The signing of this MoU signifies a key milestone in building a closer partnership between Export Finance Australia and EXIM Bank Malaysia. Through enhanced cooperation, we aim to open up new avenues for business, boost regional trade and investment, and support sustainable development across Southeast Asia. We are confident this collaboration will foster greater economic resilience and shared prosperity throughout the region." 

Datuk Nurbayu Kasim Chang, President & CEO of EXIM Bank Malaysia, added: “This partnership reflects EXIM Bank Malaysia’s commitment to expanding Malaysia’s global trade footprint while supporting impactful investments across the region. By strengthening ties with Export Finance Australia, we are opening new pathways for regional investment and trade, aligned with Malaysia MADANI economic framework and NIMP 2030.” 

ENDS

Media contacts

Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank Malaysia): Azmin Hamzah, +603 2601 2371, 2azmin@exim.com.my

EFA: Eleanor Brophy, +61 400 806 103, media@exportfinance.gov.au 

About Export Finance Australia (EFA) 

EFA is Australia’s export credit agency. EFA provides commercial finance for export trade and overseas investment and infrastructure development. From small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporates, foreign governments and infrastructure projects, it helps Australian businesses take on the world. In doing so, EFA’s finance supports Australia’s economic security and regional resilience. 

EFA administers the Australian Government’s National Interest Account, which currently includes the Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility, the Critical Minerals Facility, the Defence Export Facility and lending for the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific. EFA also provides support to other Commonwealth entities, including Housing Australia and the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility. 

About Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (EXIM Bank Malaysia) 

Established in August 1995, EXIM Bank Malaysia provides financing and advisory support to Malaysian businesses pursuing global ventures across diverse sectors. EXIM Bank Malaysia fulfils its mandate to enhance competitiveness of Malaysian industries internationally, offering comprehensive banking and takaful products.  

Effective 1 May 2025, EXIM Bank Malaysia became a subsidiary of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB).