ANWAR, LI QIANG DISCUSS TRADE COOPERATION, REGIONAL STABILITY IN BILATERAL MEETING

By Karina Imran

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 (Bernama) -- Strengthening trade and investment cooperation, while addressing key regional issues, was at the forefront of discussions between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during their bilateral meeting here this morning. 

It was understood that the 15-minute closed-door discussion touched on regional issues, with China expressing support for peace efforts regarding the Cambodia-Thailand border situation and the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

Both leaders also discussed a wide range of initiatives aimed at enhancing trade and investment, particularly in the automotive and high-technology sectors, including the development of the Automotive High-Tech Valley (AHTV) in Tanjung Malim.

The meeting covered infrastructure connectivity, including the expansion of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Kota Bharu to Rantau Panjang, as well as collaboration in critical areas such as rare earth elements (REE), the Perak-Penang water pipeline project and the halal industry.

Additionally, tourism cooperation and people-to-people knowledge exchanges were also highlighted, along with efforts to enhance air connectivity by attracting more cargo flights from China to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). 

The two leaders also discussed semiconductor industry collaboration and reaffirmed support for the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) initiative. 

As ASEAN Chair, Malaysia welcomes China’s participation in advancing the APG to promote sustainable energy cooperation across the region. 

Regarding the digital economy, Malaysia invites leading Chinese technology companies to expand their local presence and investments while encouraging new Chinese firms to establish regional operations here.

Earlier, Anwar, in his opening remarks, said, “Many times your visit to Malaysia and my visit to China, and I appreciate your participation; it means a lot for Malaysia and ASEAN.  I think we will focus on the bilateral issue today.

“And thank you for the invitation, President Xi Jinping, for the 80th anniversary of China, and I hope to meet up with him in South Korea in the next few days,” he said. 

Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Liew Chin Tong, and Transport Minister Anthony Loke. 

Li Qiang also attended the signing ceremony of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA 3.0) upgrade, followed by the 28th ASEAN-China Summit this morning.

Malaysia, which holds the ASEAN chairmanship this year under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit from Oct 26 to 28.

The event brought together more than 3,000 delegates and leaders from over 30 countries and international organisations to enhance regional engagement and cooperation.

-- BERNAMA