KUALA LUMPUR: Chinese enterprises have been encouraged to continue increasing their investments in Malaysia and contribute to the economic development and industrial optimisation of this country, says Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing (pic).
“We hope that the Malaysian business community will seize new opportunities in the development of both China and Malaysia, actively promote cooperation with China and share the dividends of China’s reform and economic development.
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“We anticipate a growth in demand for China-Malaysia business inspections and economic and trade negotiations after the Chinese New Year, along with vibrant economic exchanges between China and Malaysia, combined with a surge in tourism,” he said yesterday during a Lunar New Year gathering by the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce.
Among those present were Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce president Loo Kok Seong and Star Media Group chief content officer Datin Paduka Esther Ng.
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.
“Standing at a new historical starting point, China and Malaysia will work together to strengthen strategic communication and deepen practical cooperation.
He expressed China’s willingness to work hand in hand with Malaysia to promote a comprehensive strategic partnership to boost their ties to a higher level.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen cultural exchanges, jointly advance technological innovation and deepen cooperation in various sectors, including connectivity, the digital and green economies, and biopharmaceuticals.
Bilateral trade between China and Malaysia reached US$190.24bil (RM797.56bil) last year, which is about the same as the previous year, he added.
“China has maintained its position as Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. The scope and depth of cooperation between the two countries have expanded, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both nations.”
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who was also present yesterday, said that the Malaysia-China aviation industry would offer 6.8 million seats this year.
This is 82% of the 8.3 million seats in pre-pandemic 2019, based on data from the Malaysian Aviation Commission.
But compared with the 3.5 million seats available last year, he said there was a growth of 95% for the 2024 capacity.
“Two new routes will be introduced, from Kota Kinabalu to Beijing (Daxing airport) and from Penang to Xiamen.”
These developments, he said, underscore the strengthening of the bilateral relationship between the two nations, benefiting not only the governments but also businesses and tourism.
“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties, both countries have reaped numerous benefits from this longstanding friendship, particularly through collaborative projects like the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) under the Belt and Road initiative,” said Loke.
The ECRL, expected to be operational by December 2026, will enhance connectivity between the east and west coasts of the peninsula.
Additionally, he said establishing Malaysia-China industrial parks along the railway route would further bolster the local economy.
