Prosperity in unity: A meaningful Yee Sang toss between (from left) Ni, Chan, Loke, Ouyang, Tiong and Sun during the CECCM annual dinner. — LOW BOON TAT/The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia-China cooperation is poised for further expansion as both countries’ development priorities remain closely aligned, particularly in high-quality growth, industrial upgrading and the green transition.
China’s Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing said there was strong reason for confidence in bilateral cooperation, noting that China continues to shift towards high-quality economic growth, while Malaysia is accelerating industrial upgrades and green transformation.
“Last year, more Chinese enterprises have invested and established operations in Malaysia, spanning sectors such as electrical and electronics, high-end manufacturing, renewable energy, digital infrastructure and modern services,” he said during the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (CECCM) annual dinner yesterday.
Ouyang said a growing number of cooperation projects have taken off with deeper industrial chain collaboration, injecting tangible momentum into the economic development of both countries.
He said bilateral cooperation is also undergoing structural upgrading, with collaboration accelerating in areas linked to green and digital transformation, including renewable energy generation, energy storage, the electric vehicle supply chain, data centres and smart logistics.
He added that Chinese enterprises are contributing more than capital and equipment, bringing in technology, standards and management expertise that align well with Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan and sustainable development goals.
“Chinese enterprises are working closely with Malaysian partners – from factory floors to industrial parks, and from ports to data centres – reflecting the spirit of pragmatic cooperation and the deepening of mutual trust and mutual benefit,” he said.
CECCM president Ni Qingjiu said the chamber will continue to serve as a platform connecting enterprises from both countries and stakeholders.
He said CECCM will actively promote exchanges among enterprises, strengthen engagement with government agencies and support member companies in achieving higher-quality development.
Ni added that the progress achieved would not have been possible without the Malaysian government’s continued efforts to foster an open, stable and pragmatic business environment.
In a congratulatory message read out by the emcee, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysian Government, under the Madani framework, remains committed to promoting sustainability, innovation, inclusivity and shared prosperity.
He said partnerships with chambers of commerce and the business community are crucial in translating these principles into tangible outcomes that benefit society.
“I am confident CECCM will continue to serve as a bridge, strengthening cooperation and supporting mutually beneficial growth and sustainable economic development for both countries.”
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the 17th consecutive year in 2025, accounting for about 18% of Malaysia’s total trade valued at RM3.06 trillion.
He said bilateral trade grew 12% to RM541.9bil last year from RM484.25bil in 2024.
Loke said Malaysia remains open to foreign investment and welcomes enterprises that bring capital, technology, expertise and global connectivity.
“As transport systems evolve, innovation must remain aligned with public needs. Safety, accessibility and reliability are fundamental,” he said.
Also present were Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, Prime Minister’s political secretary Chan Ming Kai, Minister Counsellor of the Economic and Commercial Office at the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia Sun Shuqiang and Star Media Group executive editor (content design) Tung Eng Hwa.
