Kuala lumpur: Any trade agreement signed with other countries will not affect Malaysia’s sincere and enduring relationship with Beijing, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to fostering cooperation with China, ASEAN, and the global community to drive innovation, attract investment, and create opportunities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zahid’s remarks were made at the Global Chinese Economic and Technology Summit (GCET 2025), where he highlighted that partnership remains Malaysia’s strongest asset in a rapidly changing world. He assured Ambassador Ouyang Yujing, China’s Ambassador to Malaysia, that Malaysia’s relationship with China would remain steadfast despite any new trade agreements.
Ahmad Zahid stressed that as ASEAN and China grow together, the benefits will extend to youth, businesses, and communities, shaping a future that is more prosperous, stable, and inclusive. He pointed out that Malaysia-China ties are “practical, strategic, and future-facing,” supported by strong economic momentum under the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) upgrade to ACFTA 3.0.
He noted that ASEAN-China trade surged to US$982 billion in 2024 from US$192.5 billion in 2008, marking it as one of the fastest-growing economic corridors globally. Malaysia’s bilateral trade with China grew between five and seven percent in early 2025, surpassing RM200 billion by May. Ahmad Zahid emphasized the importance of Malaysia adapting and co-developing in areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and technical education to stay competitive.
The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the robust growth of Malaysia-China halal cooperation, citing Malaysia’s participation in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2025 in Shanghai (MIHAS@Shanghai), where sales reached RM3.2 billion, exceeding expectations. China remains a key partner in promoting halal products, and Ahmad Zahid has instructed the Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation to participate annually in the China International Import Expo to further promote Malaysian halal products.
The GCET 2025 summit, organized by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific and several international organizations, served as a platform for exploring critical economic and technological trends, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to its partnership with China.