KUALA LUMPUR: Entrepreneurs from Malaysia and China can explore joint ventures that focus on sectors such as infrastructure, logistics and digital trade, says Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan.
He said the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the cornerstone of collaboration, providing the framework for deepening bilateral economic ties.
“Under 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 BRI’s objectives,” he said at the 5th Belt and Road Malaysia-China Business Dialogue, themed “Harnessing a Half-Century of Partnership for Unprecedented Prosperity”, here yesterday.
Addressing an audience of over 450 people from both nations, Khairul Firdaus said Malaysia’s strategic location positions it as 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 with a combined gross domestic product of more than US$3.6 trillion (RM16 trillion).”
Malaysia, Khairul Firdaus noted, also boasts a multicultural society with linguistic skills that include English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil.
“This multilingual capability creates an environment conducive to international trade, fostering seamless communication and collaboration across borders.”
He also said Malaysia’s globally recognised halal certification offers an avenue for Chinese entrepreneurs to tap into the burgeoning halal market, including halal pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and processed food products.
Khairul Firdaus also briefed participants on the government’s commitment to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to foster a vibrant ecosystem that embraces emerging tech such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, blockchain and the Internet of Things.
“We are actively developing smart manufacturing capabilities and digitalising our industries.
“Through partnerships with global innovators, including those from China, we aim to position Malaysia as a leading hub for 4IR-driven industries,” he said.
Stronger together: Khairul Firdaus (sixth from left), flanked by Ouyang (left) and Ma (right), posing for a group photo upon their arrival at the 5th Belt and Road Malaysia-China Business Dialogue in Kuala Lumpur. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star
He also called on participants to explore new frontiers and venture into emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, advanced materials and digital technologies; forge partnerships that harness the strengths of both nations and invest in sustainability industries for a better future.
Chinese entrepreneurs, said Khairul Firdaus, are uniquely positioned to leverage their expertise and resources to collaborate with Malaysian companies in these areas.
“Together, we can drive innovation, enhance productivity and create solutions that address the challenges of the future,” he said.
The event, organised by Malaysia-China Business Council and China Economic Cooperation Centre, also saw the signing of memoranda of understanding between a list of entities and agencies from Malaysia and China.The 13 documents, involving a total value of at least RM16bil, cover sectors such as agriculture, frozen food, logistics, tourism, infrastructure, AI, digital innovation and industrial parks.
Also present were Ma Hui, vice-minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing.
The event was among the activities held in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic ties this year.
