Malaysia is poised to deepen its economic ties with China as Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim embarks on a three-day working visit aimed at bolstering trade and technological collaboration. With China already holding the position as Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, this visit underscores the significance of their bilateral relationship, which saw trade reach an impressive US$113.82 billion between January and August 2023.
Arriving in Shanghai on Tuesday, Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as Malaysia’s finance minister, plans to engage with top Chinese officials and business leaders to further cement this relationship. His itinerary includes a high-level meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Hangzhou, set for Thursday, where discussions are expected to center around artificial intelligence and digital trade, areas where Malaysia seeks increased cooperation and investment.
In Shanghai, Anwar will participate in the WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 event, where he is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the WorldSkills Conference. This forum offers a platform to highlight Malaysia’s interest in advancing technological skills and international cooperation in emerging fields.
The prime minister’s visit will also take him to the Fifth Global Digital Trade Expo in Hangzhou, where Malaysia is recognized as one of the Guest Countries of Honour. Anwar’s engagements at the expo are designed to attract foreign investment by showcasing Malaysia as a hub for digital trade and innovation.
Anwar’s visit is a strategic move to tap into China’s burgeoning technological sector and to explore opportunities that could accelerate Malaysia’s own technological advancements. By meeting with Chinese business and technology leaders, he aims to foster partnerships that could lead to substantial economic benefits for Malaysia, boosting its global competitiveness in the digital age.