As China and Malaysia approach the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2024, both nations are gearing up to strengthen economic ties through multilateral cooperation. Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, expressed optimism about the continued positive momentum in China-Malaysia trade.
In an exclusive interview with CGTN’s Hou Jing, Tengku Zafrul highlighted the pivotal role of multilateralism in enhancing trade between the two countries. “We believe that multilateral cooperation will not only boost our bilateral trade but also bring prosperity to the regional economy,” he stated.
The minister emphasized that as members of regional frameworks like the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), both China and Malaysia stand to benefit from reduced trade barriers and increased market access. “Multilateralism opens doors for collaboration in various sectors, including technology, infrastructure, and sustainable development,” he added.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for over a decade, with trade between the two nations reaching new heights in recent years. The 50th anniversary presents an opportunity to build on this foundation and explore new avenues for cooperation.
Tengku Zafrul also noted that the commitment to multilateralism aligns with Malaysia’s national economic strategies and China’s Belt and Road Initiative. “Our shared vision for regional integration and economic growth underscores the importance of working together within multilateral frameworks,” he said.
As the milestone year approaches, both governments are expected to engage in high-level dialogues and implement policies that will further facilitate trade and investment. The minister’s remarks signal a strong commitment to leveraging multilateralism as a catalyst for mutual prosperity.
Reference(s):
Malaysian minister: Multilateralism boosts China-Malaysia trade
cgtn.com
