15 July 2024, Kuala Lumpur – The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China–Xi’an Office had successfully organised the first “Malaysia-Northwest China Business Forum” in Shaanxi Province which ran from 3 to 5 July 2024. The three-day event garnered robust participation from government and corporate bodies representing both nations – enriching dialogues on trade, investment and industrial collaboration.
The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China–Xi'an Office was the pioneering force behind this historic forum, aimed at promoting business relations between Malaysia and Northwest China. “It has established a new benchmark for bilateral trade, driven significant economic cooperation, and opened up unprecedented avenues for growth and development,” said Raymond Raman, President of The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China–Xi'an Office.
Significantly, The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China–Xi’an Office signed memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreements with Jinghe New City Administrative Committee of Xixian New Area, Xi'an Tongxin Industrial Development Co. Ltd., The Malay Businessmen and Industrialists Association of Malaysia (PERDASAMA), Xi’an MeiTai Marine Technology Co. Ltd., and China National Chemical Urban Investment Co. Ltd.
Raymond Raman enthused, “These collaborations are poised to deepen Malaysia-China trade relations and contribute to regional economic development, underscoring the Forum's timely role in catalyzing meaningful and mutually beneficial exchanges between these two countries amidst its 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.”
On 3 July 2024, 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.
Featuring thematic panel discussions 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.
Among the distinguished attendees were Yang Amat Mulia Raja Izzuddin Iskandar Shah Al-Haj Ibni Almarhum Sultan Idris A’fifullah Shah; Lum Wan Liang, the Consul General of Malaysia in Xi'an; Huang Yong, Deputy Director of Shaanxi Provincial Foreign Affairs Office; Zheng Jianshe, Deputy President of Shaanxi Council for the Promotion of International Trade; and Li Ying, Vice President of Shaanxi Federation of Industry and Commerce.
Also present were representatives from key Malaysian government agencies such as Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Perak Investment Management Centre (Invest Perak) and Perak SADC (State Agricultural Development Corporation). The strong entourage’s active involvement further solidified Malaysia's commitment to enhancing economic ties and exploring mutual growth prospects with Northwest China.
On 4 July 2024, the Malaysia-China Food Industry Park – a specialised Malaysian food hub showcasing palm oil, coffee, fruits and seafood – was launched in Jinghe New City, Xixian New Area, with an investment totaling 1 billion Yuan ($137.57 million) covering approximately 40 mu (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 through collaborative efforts between both countries. The Malaysian delegation also embarked on a tour of parks and factories within the city, gaining invaluable insights into local investment climates, policy frameworks, and corporate operations.
On 5 July 2024, the China (Yulin)-Malaysia Cooperation and Exchange Conference convened in Yulin City, Shaanxi Province. Representatives from Malaysian and Yulin governments and enterprises graced the event, including Zeng Dechao, Chairman of Yulin Political Consultative Conference, Yang Yang, Deputy Mayor of Municipal Government, and Cui Hongjun, Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Government.
The conference saw both parties exchanging resources and technical knowledge, engaging in comprehensive discussions covering potential collaborations in energy, education, tourism, and agriculture, among others, and how these synergies can be harnessed for mutual benefit. Armed with deeper understanding, 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.
With the successful conclusion of these events, The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China–Xi’an Office had set an impressive benchmark in hosting a world-class Forum that sparked business interests and goodwill across the two nations – bridging the divides of different cultures and ways of doing business into one common goal: mutual prosperity and development for all. It was an eye-opener for participants as they deliberated on future growth avenues that ventured beyond traditional sectors, such as smart cities, renewable energy and digital infrastructure.
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.
Raymond Raman succinctly concluded, “This strengthened partnership 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.” It is this vision that continuously drive The Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China–Xi’an Office to greater heights.
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