SHANGHAI: Chinese investors and companies are showing increased interest in Malaysia, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"This is a very positive development," the Prime Minister told the Malaysian media after holding a roundtable session with over 20 industry leaders on Wednesday (Nov 6).
The Prime Minister noted there were discussions on national policies, including regulations and investment.
"Hence, I have seen rising enthusiasm and interest from investors and companies in China," he said.
When asked about potential investments secured during the current visit, Anwar responded: "We will announce the amount tomorrow."
He began the day by attending a dialogue session with Chinese investors organised by Khazanah Nasional Bhd.
"It has been exhausting as there have been back-to-back meetings since morning, but I think this is beneficial," he said.
Separately, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) indicated that Anwar engaged in several productive discussions with Chinese investors on the third day of his working visit to Shanghai.
The investors included Chengwei Capital, a prominent venture capital firm with global semiconductor expertise, and NRL Capital, whose founders have been pivotal in developing high-tech industrial clusters in China.
The PMO said discussions centered on Malaysia's centrality and attractiveness as an investment destination due to its talented workforce and supportive government policies.
The Prime Minister also discussed potential collaborations with these investors in technology and innovation in Malaysia.
"These investors will look at collaborating with Khazanah Nasional in building next-generation Malaysian companies to enhance Malaysia's presence in global supply chains, particularly in high-tech sectors.
"This will drive the Madani Economy vision of fostering innovation and making technology more accessible and inclusive for all," the PMO said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
In addition to attending dialogue and roundtable sessions, the Prime Minister also held one-on-one business meetings with representatives from companies such as the Bank of China, SinoChem, SICC Co Ltd, SEMCORP, and Zhejiang Jiahua Energy Chemical Industry Co Ltd.
The Prime Minister is expected to depart from Shanghai in the afternoon, with Beijing as the next destination.
He is accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan; Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz; and Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong.
The visit to China follows an invitation from his counterpart Li Qiang to attend the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.
The CIIE is a trade fair organised by the Chinese government, providing a platform for Belt and Road Initiative countries to promote and export goods and services to China.
Since 2009, China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.
In 2023, total trade with China was valued at RM450.84bil (US$98.80bil), accounting for 17.1% of Malaysia’s global trade.
As of September 2024, the total recorded trade was RM355.15bil (US$76.72bil).
In the first half of 2024, 15 manufacturing projects were implemented with investments totaling RM1.2bil (US$252.5mil).
This trip marks Anwar’s third visit to China as Prime Minister, following his first visit in March 2023 and another in September of the same year. However, this is his first visit to Shanghai.
The four-day working visit will conclude in Beijing on Nov 7. – Bernama
