00:00The government has taken a clear policy, what we term together with our ASEAN neighbours
00:15as centrality.
00:17We continue to engage the West and the East.
00:23We invite investments, we have benefited from massive investments from the United States
00:32and Europe, but we also recognise the stark changes, the phenomenal change taking place
00:43in the geopolitics and economic vibrancy of China.
00:48So Malaysia and China, though having enjoyed long-standing bilateral relations, underpinned
00:55by robust trade and investment relations, we believe that a stronger bond and relations,
01:09comprehensive strategic relations with China would help not only Malaysia but the region
01:15immensely, and we will continue to embark on that policy.
01:20China remains Malaysia's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with total trade
01:29reaching almost $100 billion, a remarkable feat.
01:36For 2023, China is the fifth-largest foreign investor, and with the trend that's going
01:43on and the recent visit by Premier Lee Tseung, reinforce the position, reaffirm our enduring
01:51friendship, mutual respect between Malaysia and China.
01:56We for example, together with Premier Lee Tseung, we witnessed the signing of the second
02:04cycle of the five-year Programme for Economic and Trade Cooperation, and the MOU of strengthening
02:12investment and cooperation in digital development between both the Government of Malaysia and
02:20the Government of the People's Republic of China, which means we have laid a solid foundation
02:29for enhanced collaboration in new key and innovative areas, sectors that will drive
02:37the economy forward.
02:39The relationship, as the Minister is fully aware, is not only in the traditional investment
02:47policies and patterns, but it has transcended into a more competitive, what is termed as
02:56the new economy, that covers beyond just investment but also in tourism.
03:04I mentioned to Tan Sri Low, to remind him, in talking to the great, more successful Chinese
03:13entrepreneurs globally, don't just deal with business.
03:18Of course, number one priority is business, investments, but also find some time, one
03:32or two days.
03:33This is one of the most beautiful regions in the world, and you are therefore welcome
03:38again to see, particularly in one or two days when you relax near the beaches around Malaysia.
03:46So thank you again, Xie Xie Kou Wei.
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