Najib: Many benefits from China ties

MALAYSIA has “made extraordinary achievements” in the wake of Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s official visit to China this week.

Wrapping up his four-day visit here during which he met with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang, Najib reiterated that Malaysia’s bilateral ties with China had hit a “new or historical high”.

The Chinese leaders had responded positively to many proposals and requests raised by the high-powered delegation led by Najib.

“My visit here is for the benefit of Malaysia and its people. There is no other motive except to enhance ties with China for the country and our people.”

He noted that most of the achievements were “tangible”. One major achievement was seen in the commitment by 35 captains of industry in China to either invest in Malaysia or expand their existing operations in the country.

The richest man in China, Wang Jianlin of Wanda Group, is keen to bring more tourists to Malaysia and invest in Malaysia. Wanda is China’s biggest entertainment group.

Apart from witnessing 14 business-to-business memorandums of understanding with a total value of RM143bil, Najib also witnessed the signing of 14 government-to-government MoUs that would enhance bilateral trade, economic, education, culture and defence cooperation.

In the field of business, he secured financing from China for the RM55bil East Coast Rail line project that would improve connectivity and bring about positive socio-economic impact to states along the east coast of peninsular Malaysia.

For the 500,000 Malaysian people involved in palm oil cultivation, the good news is that President Xi has made a commitment to import more Malaysian palm oil without imposing quota.

Najib said the visit also opened new growth areas for Malaysia.

The collaboration with Alibaba Group will spur tourism and the appointment of Jack Ma as adviser will help Malaysia to develop its digital economy.

In this regard, Tencent – another internet giant in China – has also agreed to play a role to help Malaysia.

While in China, Najib also helped solve problems faced by two mega projects nvolving Malaysian investments. His presence to witness the signing and to meet local officials meant these projects have the support of the Malaysian government. In China, such support is seen as crucial. Hence, Xianda’s RM9.3bil seawater desalination and salt making project was given the green light to progress to construction stage.

Lim Chee Wah’s multi-billon dollar Genting Resort Secret Garden in the mountain of Zhangjiakou can iron out its problems to prepare the mountain resort for Winter Olympics 2022, according to Najib.

“We play our role to help and support our Malaysian firms in China,” said the Prime Minister.