KUALA LUMPUR: Entrepreneurs from Malaysia and China have been urged to explore joint ventures in sectors such as infrastructure, logistics and digital trade.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan (pic) said the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a cornerstone of collaboration, providing the framework for deepening economic ties between the two nations.
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"Under the BRI, infrastructure projects like railways, ports and industrial parks have strengthened connectivity and facilitated trade.
"As we move forward, I urge both Malaysian and Chinese entrepreneurs to explore joint ventures that align with the BRI’s objectives," he said at the 5th Belt and Road Malaysia-China Business Dialogue here on Friday (Dec 13).
Themed "Harnessing a Half-century of Partnership for Unprecedented Prosperity", the dialogue is being attended by more than 450 participants from both countries.
Khairul Firdaus said Malaysia's strategic location positions it at the heart of South-East Asia.
"Malaysia sits along the vital maritime routes of the Malacca Strait, offering unmatched connectivity to major global markets.
"This geographic advantage provides Chinese entrepreneurs with a gateway to the Asean region, a market of over 650 million people and a combined gross domestic product of more than US$3.6 trillion (RM16 trillion)," he added.
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Khairul Firdaus said Malaysia also boasts a multicultural society with linguistic skills that include English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin and Tamil.
"This multilingual capability creates an environment conducive to international trade, fostering seamless communication and collaboration across borders," he said.
The event was also attended by Ma Hui, vice-minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
Ma Hui, who is visiting Malaysia for the third time, described the agricultural cooperation between the countries as "sweet", referring to the taste of Malaysian fruits.
He said the durian, jackfruit and other produce from this tropical country are widely popular among Chinese consumers.
"Durian is really not bad," he said.
Ouyang said Chinese consumers can now savour the taste of Malaysia, thanks to the export of fresh durian to China.
In August, the first batch of fresh fruit arrived in China. Before that, only frozen durian and processed products were allowed in the market.
