Media representatives listen as Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers gus speech at the opening ceremony speech for the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai. - Photo: Bernama
SHANGHAI: The principle of a shared future has been well-received by countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Global South, motivating Malaysia's participation in BRICS, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the opening of the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC), the Prime Minister described China President Xi Jinping’s address at the recent BRICS conference in Kazan as "spectacular."
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Xi, Anwar noted, urged the adoption of a shared future spirit to counter forces of discord and protectionism, emphasising the need "to build the community with a shared future, to uphold global peace, global security, and to share experience, expertise, and technologies with the world."
This year, Malaysia has been honoured as the "Country of Honour" at the 7th CIIE, running from Tuesday (Nov 5) until Nov 10, under the theme "New Era Shared Future".
Anwar had the privilege of speaking immediately after Chinese Premier Li Qiang, followed by leaders from France, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, and Uzbekistan.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged Li's address, highlighting China’s success as a model for governance and correct policies.
He praised China’s commitment to ensuring "trade, investments, and economic prosperity" benefit the international community.
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"This is, of course, not an easy remark because it is contrary to the expression of many powerful economies of the world.
"That is why I commend China and its leadership for departing from obscure, condescending, and unfair trading practices," he said.
Anwar praised the CIIE for providing opportunities for companies worldwide, including smaller enterprises, to showcase their capabilities and attract new investments.
"Multicultural cooperation for free trade and sustainability goals must be used as a tool to advance global progress equitably instead of as a weapon to quell competition, promote unfair advantage, or create conflict," he said.
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The CIIE serves as a platform for countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to promote their products and services to China.
Regarding Asean's chairmanship next year, Anwar expressed Malaysia's goal to enhance regional cooperation and an inclusive, rules-based regional framework.
"We would like to reciprocate the forward-looking, shared future principle promoted by China, including it in the Asean-GCC plus China Summit," he stated.
The summit is scheduled for May 2025 and is anticipated to significantly influence regional growth, promoting global parity in trade, investment, and economic advancement.
As the world’s fifth-largest economy, Anwar stated that Asean has the potential to drive inclusive socio-economic growth towards a sustainable, shared prosperity era.
"We are committed to promoting good governance, combating corruption, and implementing socio-economic and industrial reforms, as inspired by China's success in poverty reduction," said the Prime Minister.
Anwar is on a working visit to China from Nov 4 to 7, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Li, to attend the 7th CIIE in Shanghai.
He arrived on Nov 4, marking Shanghai as his first stop before heading to Beijing, accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
At the NECC, Anwar will also open the Malaysia Pavilion and the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Pavilion, with participation from 68 Malaysian companies.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner globally for 15 consecutive years since 2009. – Bernama
