KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia aims to achieve shared progress by promoting equitable wealth distribution, upskilling citizens, and eradicating poverty through close cooperation with China, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The deputy prime minister said, much like China, Malaysia was deeply committed to a vision of shared knowledge and prosperity, ensuring that the people were not left behind in the pursuit of progress.
"Our National Social Policy 2030, guided by the Madani government, embodies this commitment by fostering a relationship with China that aligned with our values of inclusivity and equity," he said in his keynote address at the Malaysia China Summit 2024 today.
His speech was read by Deputy Foreign Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin.
Zahid said China's efforts in poverty alleviation and rural regeneration were commendable, with the economic giant lifting more than 800 million people out of extreme poverty over the past four decades.
"We have observed how China has focused on developing its central regions by creating employment opportunities, improving infrastructure and fostering new industries.
"Significant investments have also been made in infrastructure, healthcare, and other essential services to ensure sustainable development."
Zahid said in addition to Malaysia's strategic geographical location, the country demonstrated its strength with its strong infrastructure, skilled workforce, and forward-thinking economic policies.
Combined with strong ties with China, he said Malaysia stood as a formidable force within Asia, offering vast opportunities for businesses to create new ventures and unlock shared economic growth.
Zahid, who is also the Malaysian Halal Council chairman, said to realise the vision of greater partnerships and alliances within the halal sector with China, both nations must work together to streamline certification processes
This, he said, would enable Chinese products to meet Malaysia's halal standards, thus boosting marketability and demand for China-Malaysia halal products and creating an integrated platform for beneficial business developments.
As of July 2024, Malaysia's halal trade with China was valued at RM6.25 billion, covering ingredients, food and beverages, palm oil derivatives, industrial chemicals, and cosmetics.
"During recent discussions in China, we explored the potential for establishing a Halal Medical Hub in Malaysia as well as a Halal Trade Corridor, to enhance halal trade within the framework of the One Belt, One Road initiative.
"The halal economy's trade possibilities are limitless, offering opportunities for economic growth and even strengthening diplomacy," said Zahid.
He also said the partnership between China and Malaysia extended into education and workforce development.
He said as of 2024, 220 Chinese companies had offered over 5,000 training placements for Malaysian students focusing on technical and vocational education and training (TVET), made possible through a collaboration between the National Organisation of Skilled Workers (Belia Mahir) and players in the Chinese TVET industry.
Zahid said over the five decades, Malaysia's relationship with China had flourished, growing into a partnership that was valuable and beneficial to both nations.
"Together, we have fostered cooperation in critical areas such as trade, investment, culture, and most importantly, our bonds as friends."