Leaps and bounds: Anwar (fifth from right) launching the Malaysia Pavilion at the 7th CIIE held at the National Exhibition and Convention Centre (NECC) in Shanghai. At the expansive 500,000sqm NECC, the Prime Minister also inaugurated the pavilion of the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia. Anwar was accompanied by Mohamad Hasan (fourth from right), Tengku Zafrul (fifth from left) and Sim (fourth from left). — Bernama
SHANGHAI: China’s “shared future” policy, which has been well received by countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Global South, motivated Malaysia’s participation in BRICS, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Speaking at the opening of the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE), the Prime Minister described China President Xi Jinping’s address at the recent BRICS conference in Kazan, Russia as “spectacular”.
Anwar said Xi had urged against the forces of discord and protectionism and to “build the community with a shared future, to uphold global peace, global security, and to share experience, expertise and technologies with the world”.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the address by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, in that the phenomenal success registered by China is an example of not only good governance and correct policies but a promising attitude to ensure “trade, investments and economic prosperity” will be beneficial to the international community.
“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 think I would join many of my colleagues in commending China and its leadership for this departure from obscure, condescending and unfair trading practices,” said Anwar.
This year, Malaysia was recognised as the “Country of Honour” at the CIIE, being held until Nov 10, with the theme “New Era Shared Future”.
The Prime Minister was given the privilege of speaking right after his Chinese counterpart Li, followed by leaders from five other countries: France, Nicaragua, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania and Uzbekistan.
Anwar lauded the CIIE, which provides an opportunity not only for Chinese companies but also companies throughout the world, including small and medium enterprises, to showcase their capacity and 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.
The CIIE is an initiative by the Chinese government to provide a platform for countries involved in its Belt and Road Initiative to promote and export their products and services to China.
Touching on its Asean chairmanship next year, Anwar said Malaysia aims to enhance regional cooperation and inclusive rules-based regional frameworks.
“In this vein, we would like to reciprocate the forward-looking, shared future principle promoted by China so that when we organise the Asean-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), to include what is called Asean Plus GCC Plus China Summit,” he added.
As the world’s fifth largest economy, Asean has the potential to be a driving force for inclusive socio-economic growth that paves the way for an unprecedented era of sustainable prosperity, he said.
Later in the day, Anwar and Li witnessed the exchange of documents between Malaysia and China related to the Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation Plan, Bernama reported.
The plan seeks high-quality development and collaboration between Malaysia and China through policy coordination, improved infrastructure connectivity, enhanced trade and investment cooperation, financial collaboration and strengthened ties in education, science and technology, media, culture, tourism, health and sports.
The exchange of documents took place between Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and the National Development and Reform Commission of China vice-chairman Liu Sushe.
