Malaysian leader hails economic contributions to his nation and wider world
Chinese entrepreneurs play a key role in supporting the economy of Malaysia, as well as that of the wider world, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told a forum in Kuala Lumpur on Sept 10.
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 the global socioeconomic development Agenda, Anwar said in a speech at the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention, or WCEC.
“From Southeast Asia to East Asia, the United States, Canada, Europe and Africa, 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 said.
Held from Sept 9 to 11, the latest edition of the WCEC focused on green economy, the semiconductor industry and investment opportunities in ASEAN under the theme “Reimagineering the Future”. More than 4,000 corporate leaders, experts and researchers from all over the world joined the three-day event organized by The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia.
This will see more cooperation opportunities for global investors including Chinese entrepreneurs, he said.
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, sent a congratulatory letter to the conference.
Wang said in the letter that China will consistently adhere to the spirit of openness and inclusiveness, steadily expand its institutional openness, shorten the negative list for foreign investment, further open its modern service sector, and strive to create a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, rule-based, and internationalized.
This will provide a brighter prospect and more cooperation opportunities for global investors including the Chinese entrepreneurs, Wang said, adding that international investors are welcome to join the process of Chinese modernization and share the benefits of China’s high-quality development.
Low Kian Chuan, president of The Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, said legendary acumen and the adaptability to innovate in a fast-paced and competitive environment have helped Chinese entrepreneurs thrive and face current and future global challenges.
After attending the WCEC, Keith Li, president of the China Entrepreneurs Association in Malaysia, told China Daily that Chinese enterprises investing in Malaysia are prevalent across various sectors, making big contributions to the local economy.
The two countries’ cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative has also generated tangible results, said Li, noting that the East Coast Rail Link — which will connect Malaysia’s largest transport hub Port Klang to Kelantan state in northeastern Malaysia — will help boost transport connectivity and the development of the poorer area along the East Coast.
“Malaysia’s closer cooperation with China will contribute to the economic development of Malaysia and the region,” said Li, adding that cooperation in artificial intelligence, the smart economy, and vocational training will be among the focus areas.
“Amid the current global instability, Chinese entrepreneurs worldwide play an increasingly significant role in fostering regional economic cooperation, ensuring the security of critical supply chains, and promoting our global socioeconomic development agenda,” Amirudin Shari, chief minister of Malaysia’s Selangor state, wrote in a social media post.
Amirudin said the state government consistently welcomes the participation of the local and international Chinese entrepreneurial community in helping to create a conducive environment for investment and innovation in Selangor.
The WCEC was started by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1991. The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce are also founder members.
