Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that in recognition of China and the Chinese diaspora to Malaysia’s economic development, the country will continue to support the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
He told newsmen Malaysia offers unparalleled advantages for investors , not just as a gateway to Asean, but also to the other markets of the world.
China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner since 2009 and accounted for 18.6 percent of the country’s total trade in 2020.
As an example, Ismail Sabri cited the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) which is part of the Chinese government’s BRI, which will be the landbridge that will link the peninsula’s East and West coasts and is also expected to spur economic growth.
Besides the ECRL, China and its companies are involved in a host of other initiatives in the country which is aimed and beefing up the BRI.
While critics contend that China is gaining powerful clout in the country by the BRI, the Malaysian government, according to Ismail Sabri, said there is no cause for concern as the BRI ensures a win-win situation for both Malaysia and China.
-NIAGATIMES
