Kuala lumpur: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is set to undertake a four-day working visit to the People’s Republic of China, spanning from today until November 7. During this visit, he will be joined by senior officials from various ministries and agencies, along with representatives from Malaysian small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this marks Ahmad Zahid’s first visit to China in 2025 and highlights Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to enhancing ties and fostering cooperation across multiple sectors. This visit is part of the continuous efforts to build on the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership established between Malaysia and China in 2013.
Wisma Putra stated that Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Rural and Regional Development Minister, will inaugurate the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) Shanghai 2025. He is expected to engage with key stakeholders in China’s halal sector to boost Malaysia’s position as a global halal leader and explore new market opportunities worldwide. In 2024, China was Malaysia’s second-largest destination for halal exports, with exports totaling RM7.04 billion.
The delegation will engage in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a particular focus on key sectors like the halal industry and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). As part of his schedule, the Deputy Prime Minister will attend the opening ceremony of the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) and officiate at the Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (ACCCIM) Pavilion.
Ahmad Zahid will also witness the signing of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) between Malaysian and Chinese companies, covering areas such as the halal industry, trade, and investment. Diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China were established on May 31, 1974, and China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009. In 2024, total trade between the two countries reached RM484.12 billion, accounting for 16.8 percent of Malaysia’s total global trade valued at RM2.879 trillion.