By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 10 – In a call to action at the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC), Malaysian Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged Chinese entrepreneurs to step up and play a pivotal role in safeguarding regional economic cooperation amid increasing global uncertainties.
With a focus on bolstering supply chain security and driving socio-economic development, Anwar emphasized the deep ties between Malaysia and China, reaffirming the country’s commitment to fostering innovation and investment.
Addressing a global audience in his keynote address at WCEC here, Anwar highlighted their crucial role in safeguarding regional cooperation and ensuring the security of vital supply chains across borders.
“In a world marked by complexities and fraught with increasing instability, uncertainties, and unpredictability, Chinese entrepreneurs globally can assume a bigger role in safeguarding regional economic cooperation, ensuring the security of crucial supply chains, and promoting our global socio-economic development agenda,” said the prime minister.
Recognizing the significant impact of Chinese entrepreneurs worldwide, Anwar acknowledged their efforts to strengthen business and economic ties in regions from Southeast Asia to East Asia, and across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Africa.
He noted that the Chinese entrepreneurs have collaborated closely with others and have laid the foundations for forging deeper and stronger business and economic links across national borders.
Anwar also underscored the vital contributions of the Malaysian Chinese community, particularly in the areas of economics, culture, education, and industry, noting their integral role in Malaysia’s socio-economic growth.
“The government has always recognized the contribution of the Malaysian Chinese community in the country’s socioeconomic developments, in economic, cultural, educational, and industrial sectors,” he said.
Looking ahead, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment under the MADANI Economy Framework, emphasizing that innovation and investment would remain top priorities.
“We will continue to prioritize the enhancement of our economic landscape, fostering an environment conducive to investment and innovation,” Anwar assured.
China, Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, has maintained strong bilateral relations with the Southeast Asian nation. In 2023, total trade between the two countries reached an impressive USD 98.80 billion.
Anwar lauded this partnership, recalling the successful visit of Chinese Premier Li Qiang earlier in the year, which resulted in landmark agreements, including the Second Five-Year Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation and a Memorandum of Understanding on investment cooperation in the digital economy and green development.
“We have laid a solid foundation for enhanced collaboration in new key and innovative sectors that will drive our economies forward,” Anwar concluded, expressing optimism about the future of Malaysia-China relations and the role of Chinese entrepreneurs in navigating the challenges ahead.
As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, the prime minister highlighted the importance of cooperation, resilience, and innovation, placing Chinese entrepreneurs at the heart of efforts to build a more secure and prosperous future for the region.
- TNS News