Kuala lumpur: Malaysia has to be realistic in navigating the current global economic landscape, given its position as a highly open economy with strong ties to both the United States (US) and China, said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He stated that Malaysia’s trade-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio exceeds 200 percent, with China as the country’s largest trading partner and the US its largest export market.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Tengku Zafrul highlighted that the US has been the biggest investor in Malaysia over the past five years, followed by China. He noted that these two economies make up 45 percent of the world’s GDP, making it impossible for Malaysia to ignore either of them. In a clip shared on X today, Tengku Zafrul stressed the importance of Malaysia continuing to engage both powers while maintaining its principles of multilateralism and ASEAN centrality.

Tengku Zafrul also pointed out that as the ASEAN chair, Malaysia recently hosted the ASEAN Economic Ministers’ meeting with major dialogue partners including the US, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand. He emphasized that Malaysia believes in engaging all parties, but decisions must align with its principles. Consistency in trade, investment, and foreign policy simplifies understanding of Malaysia’s position by its partners.