Deeper ties: (Fourth from left) Siah, Sun Shu Qiang, the Minister Counsellor of the Economic and Commercial Office at the Embassy of China, Amirudin and Loo at the MCEC event. — ONG SOON HIN/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor is eager to welcome business opportunities from China, says Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
The Selangor Mentri Besar expressed optimism that the 14th Malaysia-China Entrepreneurs Conference (MCEC) would foster deeper collaboration not only between governments but also among entrepreneurs from both countries.
“Youth in Malaysia and China have consistently demonstrated remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. As leaders in government, industry or community, it is our responsibility to ensure they have the tools and knowledge to thrive in today’s rapidly changing technological landscape,” he told foreign delegates during the launch of the conference yesterday.
This year’s MCEC theme, “Celebrating 50 Years of Diplomatic Relations: Bringing Nations for Collective Growth”, reflects this goal.
The conference attracted around 800 participants, including 500 international attendees from China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia, among others.
Echoing Amirudin’s sentiments, MCEC organising chairman Siah Teong Chein emphasised the importance of leveraging the strengths of both nations to deepen business cooperation.
“Let us explore opportunities and see how we can create a win-win situation by utilising our respective advantages,” he said.
During the event, seven memorandums of understanding (MOU) totalling RM1.148bil in value, were exchanged between Malaysian and Chinese companies.
Loo Kok Seong, president of the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce, noted that the MOU would generate more professional job opportunities in Malaysia, attracting talent to stay and work here.
“I believe this will contribute to our business tourism revenue,” Loo remarked, highlighting the significant collaborative potential between both nations.
He added that the conference would allow Malaysian companies to partner with businesses from China and other countries to explore new opportunities, especially in the fields of digital economy and green transformation.
Loo also said Malaysia is at a strategic stage of development as it is set to assume the Asean chairmanship, which he believes will offer the country a great opportunity to expand its economic cooperation with all Asean countries.
Furthermore, he said Malaysia is applying to join BRICS, an economic union that serves as a cooperation platform for fast-growing markets and developing countries, which will open up more international markets for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SME).
“This is a chance for SME to integrate into the Asean supply chain and strengthen their competitiveness,” he said.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of official diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.
MCEC’s 15th conference will take place in China next year.
