SHANGHAI: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is embarking on a working visit to China from today until Thursday, aimed at strengthening cooperation, particularly in combating cross-border crime.
This marks Zahid's second official visit to China this year, following an invitation from the chairman of the Global Public Security Cooperation Forum Lianyungang (GPSCFL), Tsang Wai-Hung and the president of the China Friendship Association, Chen Zinmin.
The visit is expected to further enhance Malaysia-China relations as both nations commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties.
In a statement today, Wisma Putra announced that Zahid is also scheduled to attend the GPSCFL Conference, held from today until tomorrow in Lianyungang, Jiangsu Province.
"The conference, themed 'Win-Win Cooperation Under Significant Changes: Building a Global Community of Common Public Security', will bring together international leaders to address key public security challenges," the statement said.
Zahid will be accompanied by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who will also participate in the conference.
Wisma Putra added that Zahid, who is also the Rural and Regional Development Minister, is scheduled to hold discussions with China's State Councillor and Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong, on matters of common interest.
"They are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern."
During his working visit to China, Zahid will also attend the Malaysia-China Halal Business Forum in Shanghai, organised by the Halal Development Corporation, which will be attended by halal industry players from both Malaysia and China on Sept 10.
"He will also witness the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between MARA Aerospace & Technologies Sdn Bhd and Honeycomb Aerospace Technologies (Beijing) Co Ltd in the field of aviation," tsaid Wisma Putra.
China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner globally for 15 consecutive years since 2009.
In 2023 alone, total trade with China was valued at RM450.84 billion (US$98.80 billion), contributing 17.1 per cent of Malaysia's global trade.
"Meanwhile, the first half of this year recorded a total trade of RM234.09 billion (US$49.53 billion).
"In the first quarter of 2024, a total of 24 manufacturing projects were approved with investments totalling RM3.4 billion (US$717.7 million)."