HANGZHOU, Sept 24 — Malaysia has secured more than RM28 billion in potential investments following trade talks with major Chinese industry players, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The commitments were secured during a three-day working visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou, which included a roundtable discussion with 21 companies and targeted meetings with five Chinese industrial giants.
The high-impact investments span several strategic sectors, including semiconductor manufacturing, artificial intelligence, robotics, electric vehicles, biotechnology, and advanced medical devices.
“The vast majority of these companies expressed their commitment to increasing investments due to their confidence in our stability and the policies we are currently implementing.
“Overall, these business meetings recorded potential investments valued at over RM28 billion,” said Anwar after the launch of the Malaysia Pavilion at the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) here today.
Anwar said investor commitment was driven by their confidence in Malaysia's political stability and economic policies.
The roundtable discussions and meetings with Chinese industrial giants in Shanghai and Hangzhou were coordinated by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), and the Malaysian Embassy in China.
In addition to discussing the strengthening of multilateral cooperation with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Anwar emphasised trade in new technology sectors and the transfer of Chinese AI technology, which Malaysia should leverage.
Anwar said he raised the anxieties of small businesses, micro-enterprises, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia regarding fears of foreign dominance that could harm local interests.
“This matter was brought up directly, and we received assurances from the relevant companies, including Alibaba, as well as Li Qiang himself, that the best methods will be found to ensure business operations do not compromise the interests of SMEs in Malaysia,” he said.
He added that follow-up actions are expected after this week’s Cabinet meeting.
He undertook the working visit at the invitation of Premier Li Qiang with two main agendas: attending the WorldSkills Shanghai Competition and participating in the GDTE in Hangzhou.
Anwar also held a bilateral meeting with Li before concluding his visit and returning to Malaysia today.
