KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia plays a crucial role in connecting the Asean region to global markets as a strategic hub in Southeast Asia, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said Malaysia's key position in facilitating trade and investment, noting Asean's combined gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$3.6 trillion (RM16 trillion) and its population of more than 680 million people present significant opportunities for businesses looking to expand into the region.
"For Chinese enterprises seeking to enter this dynamic region, Malaysia offers an ideal gateway with its strategic location, robust infrastructure and skilled workforce.
"Through frameworks like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Malaysia and China have fostered deeper collaboration in infrastructure development, trade and investment," he said.
He said this in his opening speech of the Gala dinner celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations and the Fifth World Association Presidents' Conference (5th WAPC) here tonight.
Zahid said the BRI had enabled Malaysia to position itself as a key facilitator of connectivity within Asean, particularly in emerging sectors such as green energy, digital economies and sustainable development.
"Our shared vision for the future includes tapping into these high-growth areas to create jobs, drive innovation and enhance regional connectivity as we continue to strengthen our role as an Asean hub," he said.
He said Malaysia was ready to continue working with China and the global community to foster innovation, drive sustainable growth and address challenges.
He also emphasised the importance of collaboration in creating a prosperous, inclusive and resilient future.
Meanwhile, Zahid said the bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China extended far beyond trade, with education emerging as a cornerstone of the partnership.
He said that in recognition of this growing educational cooperation, Malaysia had been granted 5,125 placements by China for Malaysian students to join Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
This initiative, he added, would help equip the younger generation with the necessary skills to meet future challenges.
"These initiatives not only equip our younger generation with the skills to meet the challenges of tomorrow - but also foster cultural and academic exchanges between our nations, creating a rich tapestry of shared understanding and mutual respect," he said.
Earlier, he launched the coffee table book titled Blossoming and Fruiting (Mekar dan Berbuah) in conjunction with 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Malaysia and China.
Also present at the event were China's Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing, Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and 5th WAPC chairman and Malaysian Chinese Association president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong. — BERNAMA