Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is set to embark on an official visit to China from November 4 to November 7, 2024, at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. This visit is part of Anwar’s participation in the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) held in Shanghai, where Malaysia has been recognized as the Country of Honour. This prestigious title underscores the strong economic and diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China, marking a special highlight in this 50th year of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations.
The Malaysian delegation will include key officials such as Minister of Foreign Affairs Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, and Minister of Human Resources Steven Sim Chee Keong. The group aims to leverage this high-profile event to further strengthen Malaysia’s economic partnership with China and promote Malaysian products and services on a global stage.
In Shanghai, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to meet Premier Li Qiang for discussions that build on their earlier meeting in Putrajaya on June 19, 2024. The two leaders are expected to delve into a range of issues, covering both bilateral matters and broader regional and international concerns. Their discussions are likely to focus on expanding trade and investment opportunities, deepening cooperation under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and addressing mutual challenges in the region.
The China International Import Expo, organized by the Chinese government, provides a unique platform for countries involved in the BRI to showcase and promote their products and services to Chinese consumers and businesses. As part of the expo’s opening ceremony, Anwar will deliver a keynote speech and officially launch both the Malaysia Pavilion and the pavilion hosted by the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM). This high-level representation underscores Malaysia’s commitment to enhancing its trade relations with China, while the Country of Honour title is a significant recognition of Malaysia’s contribution to the regional economy.
Beyond the expo, Anwar’s itinerary includes several business engagements aimed at fostering deeper economic ties with China. He will participate in one-on-one business meetings and a roundtable discussion with prominent Chinese business leaders, exploring avenues for investment and collaboration in various sectors. These sessions are expected to open new doors for Malaysian businesses, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, technology, and infrastructure.
Following his engagements in Shanghai, Prime Minister Anwar will travel to Beijing for two days beginning on November 6. While there, he will pay a courtesy call on Chinese President Xi Jinping, reflecting the high level of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Anwar is also scheduled to give a speech at Peking University, titled Bridging Futures: Strengthening Malaysia-China Relations and ASEAN Centrality in a Shifting Global Order. This address will touch upon the strategic importance of ASEAN in the current global landscape and the role of Malaysia-China relations in promoting regional stability and economic growth. Additionally, Anwar will visit the Huawei Executive Briefing Centre, reflecting Malaysia’s interest in collaborating with Chinese technology firms.
The Malaysian Foreign Ministry, Wisma Putra, emphasized that this visit is intended to further solidify Malaysia’s long-standing relationship with China. For the past 15 years, China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner. In 2023, trade between the two nations reached RM450.84 billion (US$98.80 billion), comprising 17.1% of Malaysia’s global trade. As of September 2024, the total trade volume stood at RM355.15 billion (US$76.72 billion). Furthermore, the first half of 2024 saw 15 new manufacturing projects, with investments totaling RM1.2 billion (US$252.5 million), reflecting the robust economic partnership between Malaysia and China.
Prime Minister Anwar’s visit to China is expected to reinforce these economic and diplomatic bonds, fostering mutual growth and cooperation as both nations navigate the evolving global landscape.
Source: Malay Mail
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