Malaysia’s economic ties with China are poised for further growth as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim embarks on a three-day working visit to the country. The visit, which began on Tuesday in Shanghai, aims to fortify bilateral relations and explore new opportunities in trade and emerging technologies. Anwar, who also serves as Malaysia’s finance minister, will leverage this trip to engage with Chinese business leaders and promote foreign investment in Malaysia.
During his stay, Anwar is scheduled to participate in significant international events that highlight the potential for increased collaboration between the two nations. In Shanghai, he will deliver a keynote address at the WorldSkills Conference, an event that underscores the importance of skill development in global competitiveness. The prime minister will also travel to Hangzhou, where he will attend the Fifth Global Digital Trade Expo. Malaysia has been honored as one of the Guest Countries of Honour at this event, emphasizing its pivotal role in digital trade.
The visit underscores the robust economic relationship between Malaysia and China, with China having been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 years in a row. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached a substantial US$113.82 billion from January to August this year, signaling strong economic momentum. Anwar is expected to focus discussions on artificial intelligence and digital trade, areas that are increasingly critical to international economic cooperation.
Anwar’s agenda includes a high-level meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Hangzhou on Thursday, where the leaders are likely to discuss strategies to enhance cooperation in emerging technologies. The emphasis on artificial intelligence and digital trade during these talks highlights the mutual interest in leveraging technological advancements to drive economic growth.
This visit is a strategic move by Malaysia to deepen its economic ties with China, tapping into the latter’s vast market and technological expertise. By fostering stronger connections with Chinese business and technology sectors, Malaysia aims to attract greater foreign investment, which could provide a significant boost to its economy.