6-11-2024 (SHANGHAI) Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang presided over a significant diplomatic milestone Tuesday as both nations exchanged crucial documents outlining enhanced cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The ceremony, which took place during Anwar’s working visit to China, saw Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz and Liu Sushe, Vice Chairman of China’s National Development and Reform Commission, formalise the cooperation plan.
This comprehensive agreement encompasses several key areas of bilateral cooperation, including policy coordination, infrastructure development, trade expansion, and financial collaboration. The framework also extends to educational exchanges, scientific advancement, cultural programmes, and tourism development.
Anwar, who holds the dual role of Finance Minister, is attending the seventh China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai at Premier Li’s invitation. His four-day visit, which commenced on Monday, includes engagements in both Shanghai and Beijing.
Malaysia’s early adoption of the BRI framework has positioned it as a pioneer among ASEAN nations in embracing China’s global infrastructure initiative. Minister Tengku Zafrul highlighted how this partnership has already yielded substantial benefits, citing major infrastructure projects such as the East Coast Rail Link.
Chinese investment in Malaysia has seen significant growth across various sectors, from large-scale infrastructure to high-technology industries within special economic zones. Reciprocally, Malaysian enterprises have established strong footholds in Chinese markets, particularly in construction, financial services, agriculture, and halal food production.
