Ladies and gentleman,

Good afternoon.

First of all, on behalf of ACCCIM, I have great pleasure to welcome everyone to the Press Conference on “One Belt One Road” Malaysia-China Economic Conference.

This is the first ever collaboration between ACCCIM and Bank of China in organising such a significant economic conference in Malaysia.

Malaysia and China have seen one of the most cordial and productive relationships in Asia-Pacific, one with implications beyond their bilateral ties. The bilateral relationship between Malaysia and China has undergone a transformation since the establishment of official ties with China back in 1974.

The relations between Malaysia and China were elevated from strategic cooperation to comprehensive strategic partnership during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Malaysia in 2013. Both Malaysian and Chinese Government have signed a Five Year Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation to strive US$160 billion by 2017 to further deepen bilateral and economic relations between the two countries by expanding trade cooperation, investment, tourism, education, financial, infrastructure and security etc.

Trade between Malaysia and China registered US$102 billion in 2014 and Malaysia remained as China’s largest ASEAN trading partner for six consecutive years since 2008, also China’s third biggest Asian trading partner after Japan and South Korea.

As we are all aware, China became the fastest growing major economy in the world and one of the world economic pillars who is currently experiencing “Bringing In, Going Global” strategy, integrating new opportunities and offering good prospects for emerging market, energy resources and investment.

“One Belt One Road” is a brilliant idea propounded by China where it runs through Eurasia, connecting Asia Pacific Economic Community from the east, dive into European Economic Community (EEC) from the west. It is a significant conception strategy for the sake of economic development in China and for those countries along the line.

President Xi Jinping also advocate on the importance of connectivity and especially maritime linkage to foster common growth. Malaysia with the strategic location, located at the centre of Southeast Asia and holds the Strait of Malacca has incomparable advantages in the cooperation of the construction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road. Further, Malaysia is holding the rotating Chair of ASEAN with effect from 1st January 2015, Malaysians are multilingual and with strong business and analytical sense, China entrepreneurs can make use of our strength for their “Going Global” strategy, and use Malaysia as the gateway for China to ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), discover more business opportunities, create a win-win situation.

With all of the above, ACCCIM and Bank of China has come to an agreement to organise the “One Belt One Road” Malaysia-China Economic Conference on 29th June 2015 at One World Hotel. We are honour to have Y.B. Dato’ Sri Mustapa bin Mohamed, Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to be the Guest of Honour at the conference. H.E. Dr. Huang Huikang, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia will also deliver a speech. At the moment MITI, Embassy of China, Malaysia-China Business Council (MCBC) and National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM) have agreed to be the endorse parties, also with the support from Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), Malay Chamber of Commerce (DPMM), Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI), Malaysia International Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MICCI) and Persatuan Pedagang dan Pengusaha Melayu Malaysia (Perdasama).

Last but not least, we would like to bring your attention to the highlight of the event – Business Matching. The business matching is organise with the objective to provide the opportunities to local businesses to connect with potential partners, sellers and buyers from China. The business matching is inevitably an effective platform for both local and Chinese businessmen to build bridges and facilitate business investment interaction and cooperation now and future. “One Belt One Road” cooperation features mutual respect and trust, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation, so does the theme of our Conference.

Datuk Ter Leong Yap, Deputy President of ACCCIM cum the Joint Chairman of Organising Committee will take the floor later to provide more details of the event. We welcome every interested party to join us at this significant event with open arms and we look forward to working closely with Bank of China to make them a resounding success benefiting all.

Thank you.

More on “One Belt One Road” Malaysia-China Economic Conference