KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 — Malaysia and China are likely to discuss issues focusing on innovation and inclusiveness, alongside green energy and commodities to enhance investments and economic collaboration during the visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang to Malaysia, say experts.
Li, who assumed office as China's premier in March last year, is scheduled to arrive in Malaysia later today to kick-off his three-day official visit in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and China.
Li’s visit is at the invitation of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
On the meeting of the two leaders, Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER) executive director Anthony Dass expected both nations’ focus to be on innovation and inclusiveness, which would support the Madani framework and further strengthen the trade, investments and services relationship.
“Looking at the Madani framework, China could play an important role as our framework aligns with the values and principles advocated in 2013 under China’s Community Shared Principle,” he told Bernama.
Anthony said while Malaysia’s focus is to improve its competitiveness, fiscal position, debt levels, service delivery and governance, discussions between the two leaders are expected to centre around these areas for the benefit of both nations.
Malaysia-China Friendship Association president Datuk Abdul Majid Ahmad Khan said the two countries have been forging healthy and dynamic relations over the past five decades, evidenced by the strong trade performance recorded over the years.
He said that apart from further consolidating existing links and identifying new sectors for cooperation, Anwar and Li are anticipated to facilitate the growth of Malaysian commodities, such as palm oil and durian-related products as well as enhance technology cooperation, which has been on the rise in recent years.
“Other new areas of focus may include aerospace, communications and green energy sectors," he said.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years since 2009. Last year, total trade with China was valued at RM450.84 billion, contributing 17.1 per cent to Malaysia’s global trade.
— Bernama
