Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in science, technology, and innovation, including key areas such as space, vaccine development, and agriculture.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, a joint statement was issued in conjunction with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia, which concluded today. The statement noted that both countries expressed their commitment to fully leveraging the intergovernmental Joint Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation Cooperation.
Through the implementation of the China-Malaysia Joint Research Project and the Science and Technology People-to-People Exchange Programme, both sides aim to establish joint research and development platforms, enhance collaboration in science parks, and foster cooperation in emerging technologies. The countries also expressed their readiness to advance space capabilities, drive technological advancements, and contribute to national security.
The statement acknowledged the potential to strengthen partnerships under the agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of Malaysia on Space Cooperation and the Peaceful Use of Outer Space cooperation framework.
In the health sector, the Agreement on Cooperation in Vaccine Development and Accessibility has facilitated expert technical training for the two countries, advancing collaboration in vaccine development. It has also strengthened capabilities in vaccine innovation through technology transfer, expert exchange, and resource sharing.
Malaysia and China will also utilize the Joint Working Group on Agricultural Cooperation to strengthen cooperation on agricultural modernization and technology innovation. The countries will explore cooperation within the framework of the Import and Export Food Safety Mechanism for the Belt and Road Initiative and aim to expand trade in agricultural products.
China expressed willingness to attend international exhibitions in Malaysia, such as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) and the International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM). Additionally, China welcomes Malaysia to promote its products and expand exports to China through platforms like the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE), and the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO).
The joint statement noted that Malaysia seeks to integrate China’s successful experiences in targeted poverty alleviation and rural development into its national development initiatives. Priority areas include enhancing data-driven poverty alleviation, adopting innovative agricultural technologies, and promoting rural economic growth through e-commerce.
By strengthening these mechanisms, both countries aim to foster inclusive growth and equitable development, benefiting grassroots communities, particularly marginalized groups such as the rural poor, women, youth, Bumiputera, and indigenous populations, including the Orang Asli.
Xi’s three-day visit, which began on Tuesday, was at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia. China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years since 2009. In 2024, total trade between the two countries was valued at RM484.12 billion, accounting for 16.8 percent of Malaysia’s global trade of RM2.88 trillion.