SARAWAK RALLIES FOR STRONG PARTICIPATION AT MALAYSIA-CHINA SUMMIT 2024 TO MARK 50 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC TIES

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SARAWAK RALLIES FOR STRONG PARTICIPATION AT MALAYSIA-CHINA SUMMIT 2024 TO MARK 50 YEARS OF DIPLOMATIC TIES

KUCHING, Sarawak (23 May 2024): The 50th anniversary of Malaysia-China diplomatic relations, falling on May 31, 2024, was celebrated today at an event promoting the upcoming Malaysia-China Summit (MCS) 2024, signifying the importance of the region of Sarawak in the bilateral relations.

Organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and Qube Integrated Malaysia, the pre-summit event aimed to share the summit’s objectives and participation benefits with Sarawak government officials, corporate executives, industry leaders, and business associations.

Sarawak has been invited to join MCS 2024’s mission to strengthen Malaysia’s trade, investment, and cultural ties with China and ASEAN, targeting RM2 billion in high-value trade and investment opportunities.

MCS 2024, themed “Prosperity Beyond 50” and scheduled for 17-19 December 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, will be the final event in a series of programmes under the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI) to commemorate this significant milestone.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who graced the event, urged the public and private sectors in Sarawak to leverage the summit to foster economic synergy and shape future regional collaboration. He emphasised Sarawak’s vision to become a developed and high-income region by 2030, driven by data and innovation.

“We are committed to working with China towards sustainable development in fields such as the digital economy, renewable energy, smart cities, and technological innovation. These collaborations will pave the way for a greener, more resilient future and enhance economic growth,” he said.

The summit will be a platform for Sarawak to strengthen socio-economic ties and forge meaningful partnerships with China.

Focusing on innovation and economic development, the summit highlights Malaysia’s role as a gateway to ASEAN, fostering cross-border collaboration, he said, adding: 

“Sarawak can be a key player in ASEAN due to our strategic location, abundant natural resources, and commitment to sustainable development.”

Awang Tengah highlighted the strong economic ties between Sarawak and China, 

noting that in 2023, Sarawak’s exports to China, including liquefied natural gas, edible oils, and basic metals, totalled RM18.8 billion, while imports of machinery, manufactured goods, and consumer products amounted to RM9.9 billion.

MATRADE Board Member, Dato Mohammad Medan Abdullah, noted that businesses in Sarawak, with its rich resources and diverse culture, have greatly contributed to the national economy. 

By participating in the summit, Sarawak businesses can showcase their innovation and sustainability in sectors from agriculture to technology, on the global stage, particularly strengthening trade relationships with China.

China remains Malaysia’s largest trading partner and primary source of imports in 2023. Malaysia was also China’s 10th largest global trading partner and the second largest within ASEAN, Mohammad Medan added.

In the first four months of 2024, Malaysia’s trade with China totalled RM151 billion, a 5.9% increase from the same period last year, he said. Exports to China reached RM58.6 billion, with electrical and electronics (E&E) products comprising 40.5% of total exports. Imports were valued at RM92.46 billion, mainly consisting of E&E products, machinery, equipment and parts, and chemicals and chemical products.

Consul-General of China in Kuching, His Excellency Xing Weiping, emphasised Sarawak’s critical role in China-Malaysia relations. With the implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and the Plan of Action for BIMP-EAGA China Cooperation 2020-2025, Chinese companies are increasingly investing in Sarawak. 

He highlighted unprecedented opportunities for cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and praised Sarawak’s strategy to develop renewable energy and the hydrogen industry.

Key investments include the world’s first hydrogen-powered ART by CRRC Zhuzhou Institute, COMAC’s ARJ21 aircraft displayed at Kuching airport, and electric vehicles from BYD, GWM, and Geely Auto. The Long San Solar Hybrid Station, donated by Shanghai Electric, is improving electricity access in rural Sarawak.

“Nearly 20 Chinese contractors have been extensively involved in large-scale infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, and power stations, significantly contributing to Sarawak’s infrastructure development, economic growth, and improved livelihoods,” said Xing Weiping.

Qube Integrated Malaysia Executive Chairman and MCS 2024 Organising Chair, 

Richard Teo, stated that summit participants, including from Sarawak, will benefit from various activities such as networking, pocket talks, forums, and buyers programme and business matching programmes.

“We hope for strong participation from Sarawak with a dedicated Sarawak Pavilion, to ensure robust representation and well-deserved international exposure,” he said.

AirAsia is the summit’s official airline partner, with other strategic partners including Tourism Malaysia, the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia (CECCM), the Malaysia-China Business Council, Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce, The National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia, the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China, and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

About MATRADE

The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) is Malaysia’s national trade promotion agency. Established in March 1993, its primary role is to assist Malaysian exporters in developing and expanding their export markets. Aligned with Malaysia’s commercial diplomacy efforts, MATRADE is the nation’s trade facilitator and champion of Malaysian-made products and services on the global stage.

About Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd

Qube Integrated, based in Kuala Lumpur since 2003, excels as a B2B and B2C exhibitions and events organiser with a global presence. Known for its venue management, World Expo pavilion creation, and comprehensive event services, Qube leverages its extensive experience to provide end-to-end solutions. Operating across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore, its team specialises in creating impactful event experiences, excelling in design, planning, and management for various events. Qube’s award-winning services extend to exhibition management, interior design, and venue management, making it a leader in the events sector.

About MITEC

MITEC, Malaysia’s largest trade and exhibition centre, is designed to bolster the MICE industry, positioning Malaysia as a leading destination in Southeast Asia. Owned by MATRADE and part of KL Metropolis, it aims to drive economic growth and enhance Malaysia’s capacity to host large-scale events, including ‘mega-exhibitions’ attracting over 100,000 visitors and conventions of 200 to 20,000 delegates. MITEC stands as a significant player in the regional and international business events market, emphasising Malaysia’s competitive edge in the industry.

For more information, visit www.malaysia-chinasummit.com.my

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