Kuala Lumpur, January 20 (Xinhua) – Exclusive interview: Strengthening cooperation with China to help Malaysia achieve long-term economic development goals – Interview with Malaysian Economy Minister Rafizi
In recent years, Malaysia and China have made continuous breakthroughs in economic and trade cooperation, and we look forward to broader opportunities for cooperation in the future, “said Malaysian Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli in a recent interview with Xinhua News Agency. Currently, Malaysia China cooperation is stable and close, which will help Malaysia achieve its long-term goal of driving economic development through technological innovation.
Cooperation between Malaysia and China brings’ win-win ‘outcomes, “said Rafizi. Over the past decade, Chinese companies have continuously strengthened their investments and expanded their operations in Malaysia, creating profits for the companies while making significant contributions to Malaysia’s economic development. Now, Malaysia and China have the best opportunity to promote common development through cooperation.
This is a photo taken on January 1, 2025 in Penang, Malaysia, of the 275KV cross sea transmission line project constructed by China Harbour. Xinhua News Agency (photo provided by China Harbour)
Malaysia is committed to accelerating its economic structural transformation, promoting the shift from “Made in Malaysia” to “Created in Malaysia”, with the aim of building the country into a regional growth center leading the development of artificial intelligence, digitization, and technological innovation, and achieving high-quality and sustainable development goals.
Rafizi stated that China is gradually transitioning towards an innovation driven economic development model, while Malaysia is actively exploring and learning from this economic growth model. The steady and innovative development model demonstrated by China is worth learning from for Malaysia
He said that Malaysia needs to strengthen cooperation with China and attract more Chinese investment. In recent years, China has been the main source of foreign investment in Malaysia. Further strengthening investment cooperation between Malaysia and China will help enhance the two countries’ positions in the global industrial and supply chains.
On January 18, 2025, people participated in the New Year Fish Lantern Parade in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Xinhua News Agency (photo by Zhang Wenzong)
Malaysia is an ideal springboard for Chinese companies to further explore the ASEAN market, “said Rafizi. Malaysia has a cultural background similar to China, a superior geographical location, and well-developed infrastructure. In recent years, Malaysia has become the first stop for many Chinese companies, Chinese brands, and Chinese “smart” manufacturing operations.
When it comes to areas where the two countries are expected to deepen cooperation, Rafizi said that China’s technological advantages in energy transition and electric vehicles provide valuable learning opportunities for Malaysia. As Malaysia accelerates the construction of sustainable energy infrastructure, we need to develop energy storage and upgrade the power grid. China’s experience will provide strong support for Malaysia