Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is ready to be China’s key trading partner, supported by initiatives such as the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 and the National Semiconductor Strategy, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He highlighted Malaysia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia and the nation’s stable policies as factors that make the country an ideal gateway to the ASEAN market, which comprises nearly 680 million people.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, as the ASEAN chair this year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has encouraged Chinese companies participating in the Malaysia-China High-Level Business Dialogue to consider Malaysia as their entry point into the ASEAN market. Minister Zafrul expressed confidence that this collaboration would drive economic growth and create more high-quality jobs for Malaysians.

On Monday, Anwar, who also serves as the Finance Minister, announced that Malaysia is actively exploring new markets for the semiconductor industry. This effort is part of the nation’s strategy to diversify and tap into new and non-traditional markets. Anwar stated that Malaysia aims to learn from and explore potential partnerships with China.

The Prime Minister is currently on a four-day working visit to China, marking his fourth visit to the country since assuming office in November 2022.