SEPANG, June 20 — Malaysia hopes that its close relationship with China will continue to strengthen and lead to more rapid economic growth for the country, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said strong ties with a major power like China will bring many benefits to Malaysia, including in the economic sector.
In the first quarter of this year, China’s gross domestic product increased by 5.3 per cent compared to the previous year, largely due to strong factory activity.
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Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook. at the Routes Asia 2024 launch in Langkawi on February 27, 2024 — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
"We hope that bilateral relations with China, especially in trade and investment, will continue to grow, and this will certainly lead to faster economic growth for our country, including in the fields of education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and transportation," Loke said.
He was speaking to the press after sending off China's Premier Li Qiang and his delegation at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) today.
Loke described Premier Li's three-day official visit as very successful, reflecting the close ties between the two countries.
"Various bilateral meetings were held and various programmes were implemented. I see a very good response from China.
"They were very impressed with the reception they received. That is what I heard directly from Premier Li Qiang himself. He was very happy and said that Malaysia is a very close friend to China.
"I think the very friendly relationship shown by the leaders of both countries will bring a brighter future to Malaysia-China and Asean-China relations," he added.
China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner since 2009. Last year, total trade with China was valued at RM450.84 billion (US$98.80 billion), representing 17.1 per cent of Malaysia's global trade.
The two countries established diplomatic relations following the signing of the Joint Communiqué by Malaysia's then-prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein and then-Chinese premier Zhou Enlai on May 31, 1974.
— Bernama
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China’s Premier Li Qiang inspecting the guard-of-honour by the First Battalion of the Royal Ranger Regiment (Ceremonial) led by Captain Nur Ahmad Zaim Zahari during the red carpet ceremonial send-off at the Bunga Raya Complex of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang on June 20, 2024, at the end of his three-day inaugural official visit to Malaysia. — Picture by BERNAMA[/caption]
