MALAYSIA, CHINA’S GUANGXI SHOULD ‘TRADE UP AND INVEST FORWARD’ TO ELEVATE TIES - AHMAD ZAHID

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on Malaysia and China’s Guangxi to ‘trade up and invest forward’ as part of efforts to elevate bilateral cooperation to new heights.

He said the initiative was one of three key focus areas aimed at deepening and advancing the partnership.

“Let us build co-production ecosystems in electronics, green energy, and agriculture. By linking Guangxi’s logistics strengths with Malaysia’s ports, free zones, and industrial parks, we can create new supply chains and high-quality investments. 

“This partnership complements Malaysia’s New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and China’s Belt and Road Initiative,” he said when opening the 21st World Guangxi Fellow Association Conference here tonight.

He said the other two priority areas were to grow tourism sustainably and connect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) while nurturing young talent.

Ahmad Zahid also said Malaysia aims to expand direct flights between Guangxi and key Malaysian gateways, as tourism helps foster stronger people-to-people connections and lasting friendships between both sides.

“With visa-free travel and themed offerings such as heritage, eco, Muslim-friendly, and educational tourism, we can attract more visitors who stay longer and engage deeper. Through joint promotions and professional training, we can ensure that tourism growth remains inclusive and sustainable,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid, who is also Rural and Regional Development Minister, said SMEs are the backbone of both economies and can drive regional innovation through collaboration in e-commerce, digital finance, logistics, and the creative industries.

He also described Guangxi and Malaysia as natural partners, bound by geography, shared aspirations and a common vision for prosperity.

“Guangxi’s land-sea corridor connects inland China to ASEAN, while Malaysia’s strategic location links ASEAN to the wider global economy. Together, our partnership forms a bridge that strengthens connectivity, expands trade, and promotes mutual growth,” he added.

On the growing strength of Malaysia-China relations, Ahmad Zahid said China has remained Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with bilateral trade amounting to RM484.12 billion in 2024, or 16.8 per cent of Malaysia’s total trade.

He said under the government led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia’s foreign policy continues to be anchored on trust, progress, and people’s well-being — positioning China not merely as a trading partner but as a strategic friend in building a balanced and prosperous Asia.

Meanwhile, the deputy prime minister also highlighted Malaysia’s plans to strengthen cooperation with China in education, technology, tourism, and the halal economy, including the establishment of the Malaysia-China Institute in Malaysia to nurture globally minded and industry-ready youth.

He said Malaysia looks forward to welcoming 35.6 million international visitors in 2026 for Visit Malaysia Year, with Guangxi identified as a key partner in that effort.

The National Halal Council chairman said Malaysia is ready to work closely with China to expand the halal economy, covering areas such as manufacturing, logistics, certification and financing. 

He said Malaysia, through the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia’s (JAKIM) globally recognised standards, welcomes Chinese enterprises to tap into the halal markets of ASEAN, the Middle East and beyond.

Also present at the event were Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing and Federation of Guangxi Associations Malaysia president Leong Siew Kam.

-- BERNAMA