PUTRAJAYA, May 21 — Deputy Prime Minister and Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will undertake an official visit to China from May 22 to June 1 at the invitation of Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang.
In a statement today, Wisma Putra said this marks Zahid’s first official visit to China since he assumed the role of Deputy Prime Minister in December 2022.
Wisma Putra said Zahid will be accompanied by Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Mohamad Alamin.
“During his visit, the Deputy Prime Minister is scheduled to pay a courtesy call on Premier Li Qiang.
“To intensify bilateral relations, the Deputy Prime Minister is expected to explore opportunities of cooperation, particularly in the field of education, with a focus on Technical and Vocational Education and Training, halal industry development, as well as people-to-people exchanges. Both sides will exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual concern and interest,” it said.
Wisma Putra said Zahid will hold discussions with Ding and State Councillor and Public Security Minister Wang Xiaohong in Beijing.
Zahid is set to grace the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Establishment of Malaysia-China Diplomatic Relations, jointly organised by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Malaysian Embassy in Beijing, it added.
Zahid will also witness the signing of several memoranda of understanding between Malaysian and Chinese companies in the fields of high technology and education, as well as engage with the Malaysian community in China as part of the Madani government’s initiative.
Wisma Putra also said Zahid will meet with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.
Malaysia’s second Prime Minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein made history by being the first Asean leader to establish formal diplomatic relations with China by signing a Joint Communique with Premier Chou En-lai on May 31, 1974.
This bold step laid the foundation for a strong partnership, which was later elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2013 that has served both countries well.
Since 2009, China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner globally.
In 2023, total trade with China was valued at RM450.84 billion, contributing 17.1 per cent of Malaysia’s global trade.
In 2023, 64 manufacturing projects were approved, with investments totalling RM12 billion.
China is Malaysia’s fifth-largest investor, with these projects expected to create 9,305 jobs.
— Bernama
