Inaugural Malaysia-northwest China Business Forum Signals Strong Collaboration, business Opportunities

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 (Bernama) -- The first Malaysia-Northwest China Business Forum organised by the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (MAYCHAM–Xi’an Office), has signalled strong collaboration and forthcoming business opportunities between Malaysia and China.

This was driven by the memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreements signed between MAYCHAM-Xi’an Office and the Malay Businessmen and Industrialists Association of Malaysia, Jinghe New City Administrative Committee of Xixian New Area, Xi’an Tongxin Industrial Development Co Ltd, Xi’an MeiTai Marine Technology Co Ltd, and China National Chemical Urban Investment Co Ltd.

The 3-day forum, held in Shaanxi Province from July 3, had garnered robust participation from government and corporate bodies representing both nations – enriching dialogues on trade, investment and industrial collaboration.

MAYCHAM-Xi'an Office president Raymond Raman said these collaborations will deepen Malaysia-China trade relations and contribute to regional economic development.

“This underscores the forum’s timely role in fostering meaningful and mutually beneficial exchanges between these two countries as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic ties,” he added.

According to the MAYCHAM-Xi’an Office, on July 3, the forum was launched at Xi’an Chanba Silk Road International Culture and Arts Centre – attracting over 300 representatives from relevant government bodies, trade and investment agencies, and entrepreneurs from Malaysia and Northwest China.

It said the thematic panel discussions were on various infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and food industries, and topics such as export commodities, market trends and trade avenues, these prospects were linked in a business matchmaking session that augured well for future collaborative ventures.

While on July 4, the Malaysia-China Food Industry Park – a specialised Malaysian food hub showcasing coffee, fruits and seafood – was launched in Jinghe New City, Xixian New Area, with an investment totalling one billion yuan (RM644 million) covering approximately 2.67 hectares.

Led by Raymond Raman, this flagship initiative is poised to drive innovation, enhance trade relations, and promote sustainable economic growth by leveraging Malaysia’s food expertise and China’s strategic location and resources.

During the launch, experts discussed strategies to enhance food security and supply chain processes though collaborative efforts between both countries.

On the last day of the forum, there was a China (Yulin)-Malaysia Cooperation and Exchange Conference which saw both parties exchanging resources and technical knowledge, engaging in comprehensive discussions covering potential collaborations in energy, education, tourism and agriculture.

“Armed with deeper understandings, this conference came to a close with an MoU signing between The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China–Xi’an Office and Yulin Foreign Affairs and Economic Cooperation Bureau that opened up new paths for cooperation.

“As evidenced from the strong endorsement from key government and corporate figures, this forum marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, fostering diverse forms of cooperation and new growth opportunities for businesses in Malaysia and Northwest China,” said the chamber.

Raymond Raman said this strengthened partnership between Malaysia and China is expected not only to yield economic benefits but also to enrich cultural exchanges, laying the groundwork for a resilient and dynamic future for both nations.

-- BERNAMA