Malaysia's policy to engage with both East and West, says PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has a clear policy to engage with both the West and the East, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said this was also in line with the stance taken by Malaysia’s regional neighbours.

“We continue to engage with the West and East.

"We invite and benefit from investments from the United States and Europe while also recognising the phenomenal change taking place in the geopolitics and economic vibrancy of China,” he said in his address at the 17th World Chinese Entrepreneurs Convention (WCEC) here on Tuesday (Sept 10).

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The Prime Minister said stronger bonds and comprehensive strategic relations between Malaysia and China will not only help the country but the region.

“We will continue with this policy.

“China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years with total trade reaching almost US$100bil (RM436bil),” he added.

The Prime Minister also said his recent working visit to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok saw the government taking the same position of continuing to engage in discussions on trade investments.

The 17th WCEC, from Monday to Wednesday (Sept 9 to 11), sees the participation of more than 4,000 local and foreign delegates.