PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia and China have exchanged 14 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) through which both countries will share expertise and best practices, and collaborate in various fields.
The exchange of MOUs was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang here on Wednesday (June 19) during the latter’s three-day official visit to Malaysia.
Among the highlights was the Protocol Between the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China and Malaysia's Agriculture and Food Security Ministry covering phytosanitary (plant health) requirements for exporting fresh durians to China.
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Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu exchanged the MOU with Chinese Ambassador Ouyang Yujing.
This means that Malaysian durian farmers will be able to export fresh durians instead of frozen fruit to China starting this year.
The Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) exchanged three MOUs with China: the Second Cycle of the Five-year Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation (2024-2028); Strengthening Investment Corporation in Digital Economy; and Promoting Investment and Cooperation in Green Development.
Its Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz exchanged the MOUs with his counterpart Wang Wentao, the Commerce Minister of China.
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The Home Ministry also exchanged two MOUs with China, the Agreement on Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Transnational Crimes; and the Letter/Note of Intent on Visa Exemption between Malaysia and China.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail exchanged the MOU with Ouyang and China’s Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming and Ouyang exchanged the MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Housing and Urban Development.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, represented by its Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, also exchanged two MOUs with Ouyang: the Executive Programme for the Implementation of the Agreement on Cultural Cooperation; and Cooperation in the Field of Tourism.
The Communications Ministry, represented by Deputy Minister Teo Nie Ching, exchanged two MOUs with Ouyang: one with China Media Group of the People’s Republic of China on Cooperation in the Field of Media; and the other on Strengthening Cooperation in the Postal Field between the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the China State Postal Bureau.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang exchanged an MOU on Science and Technology, People-to-People Exchange Programme with Ouyang.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan also exchanged an MOU on the Joint Statement on National Single Window for Cross-Border Trade Initiative.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir exchanged the MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Higher Education.
Li arrived in Malaysia on Tuesday (June 18). His official visit will conclude on Thursday (June 20).
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This is his first trip to Malaysia since assuming the post in March last year.
Li’s visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, following the signing of the Joint Communiqué between then prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and then Chinese premier Chou En Lai on May 31, 1974.
Li is expected to have an audience with his Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia on Wednesday after departing Seri Perdana.
Li and Anwar are also expected to attend a dinner to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in the evening.
The Chinese Premier is also expected to attend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) groundbreaking ceremony in Gombak in the evening and a luncheon with the business communities of both countries on Thursday.
China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 years since 2009, with trade amounting to RM450.84bil last year.
