Supportive Policies, Favourable Investment Climate Attracting Chinese Companies To Malaysia -- CECCM

By Anas Abu Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's welcoming business environment with supportive policies and favourable climate for foreign businesses are among the key factors drawing Chinese companies to establish operations in the country, according to the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (CECCM).

CECCM president Ni Qingjiu highlighted that as the two nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties this year, the organisation has observed more opportunities for its member companies to expand in Malaysia.

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"This strong partnership has led to a deeper collaboration in key industries like construction, technology and sustainable energy.

"Looking ahead, I see some promising areas where Chinese and Malaysian businesses can collaborate, especially around new technologies and sustainability," he told Bernama in a recent exclusive interview in conjunction with the upcoming Malaysia-China Summit (MCS) 2024.

The event will be held on Dec 17-19, 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre.

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Ni said the CECCM plays an important role in guiding its 348 member companies through local regulations and helping them connect with Malaysian industries.

"CECCM is actively engaging with local authorities to find solutions, and this kind of support makes it easier for them to operate smoothly and build trust in the local business community," he noted.

Malaysia-China notable partnerships

Ni cited several significant partnerships between Malaysian and Chinese firms, including the collaboration between China's Geely and Malaysia's Proton which brought in fresh investments and technology that helped the national carmaker to re-enter the regional market with new models.

"This partnership was mutually beneficial -- a win-win situation as Geely gained a foothold in the ASEAN market while Proton gained advanced automotive technology," he said.

Other notable cooperation between Malaysian and Chinese companies includes the development of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), a mega project under the Belt and Road Initiative involving the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd (MRL).

"The project has brought significant investments to Malaysia and created many local jobs, with Malaysian companies contributing to construction and services," Ni said.

He added that there will be more opportunities for enhanced cooperation for companies in both nations, especially in areas such as the electric vehicle (EV) and relevant infrastructure, green technology and renewable energy, advanced manufacturing as well as digital and artificial intelligence-driven technologies.

Malaysia-China Summit 2024 promotes enhanced collaboration

According to Ni, the MCS 2024 is a platform that will offer expanded opportunities for Malaysia and China to strengthen economic, trade, investment as well as cultural ties.

"The summit will serve as a dynamic platform for businesses from both countries to collaborate, explore new trade opportunities, and embrace innovation," he said.

He added that the MCS 2024 provides a valuable opportunity for business leaders to connect, form partnerships and support the economic growth of both nations, he said.

Ni will be one of the speakers at the MCS 2024 Leadership Conference panel session, which will focus on significant development projects in Malaysia that involve companies from China.

These projects are acting as catalysts for growth in both countries.

"As a strategic partner for MCS 2024, CECCM member companies will be participating in key panel sessions that focus on areas like transformation, investment and green technology.

"Overall, we aim to support Malaysia’s aspirations for sustainable and digital development, while also showcasing the positive contributions that Chinese enterprises are making in the country,” he added

The MCS 2024 is organised by Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd in association with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).

Themed "Prosperity Beyond 50", the summit reflects a strategic initiative to ensure continuous economic growth, societal advancement, and overall well-being, as well as sustained cooperation and synergy between Malaysia and China.

Around 500 exhibitors from Malaysia, China and ASEAN countries are expected to participate in the summit, attracting 10,000 trade visitors and delegates, in addition to a projected RM2 billion worth of potential trade and investments.

-- BERNAMA