BEIJING, Oct 18 — Malaysia is committed to ensuring infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will provide optimal benefits to the country and can serve as an economic driver for the long term.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the momentum of the country's progress should also go hand in hand with China's growth and BRI strategies which uphold the principle of togetherness and shared prosperity.
“Any cooperation must lead to a win-win situation, not benefiting one side while the other is in debt. We do not want that kind of situation.
“Our relationship with China is constructive. Even though we have signed up (for BRI projects), we negotiate occasionally and request these projects ultimately benefit the country,” he told Bernama during the Third Belt and Road Forum For International Cooperation today.
Loke was one of the speakers for the “Connectivity In An Open Global Economy” session, held as part of the thematic forum.
During the forum, he said the BRI cornerstone project will be a game-changer to the country’s connectivity and logistics performance when the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) is completed by 2027.
New development areas along the railway corridor would become attractive investment destinations for local and foreign investors.
“Leveraging on the ECRL's success, much can be done for projects related to low-carbon energy transition and sustainable development in the next ten years," Loke said.
While hard infrastructure is undeniably critical, the power of soft connectivity must not be overlooked by exchanging technologies, standards, rules, and operational best practices.
“The digital age has brought about a new era in transportation and logistics, where real-time data, smart systems, and digital platforms have the potential to revolutionise efficiency and sustainability.
"Together, Malaysia and China have a unique opportunity to lead in this area,” he added.
— Bernama
