Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, President of the Malaysian Chinese Association, pointed out that in the face of the current trade war stalemate between China and the United States, Malaysia, as a key economic entity in Southeast Asia, has unique advantages that can serve as a strategic platform for China to enter the ASEAN market.
He stated that from a regional perspective, ASEAN is currently the fastest developing region with the youngest population, which means that future middle-class growth will be mainly concentrated in ASEAN. Therefore, looking ahead, Malaysian and Chinese businesses should seize this opportunity for in-depth cooperation.
"I believe we can leverage our advantages, such as multilingual capabilities, cultural understanding, and seamless communication, to become an important platform for Chinese enterprises entering the ASEAN market."
He spoke about Malaysia's prospects for cooperation with China as the ASEAN rotating chair when attending the "Chinese Embassy in Malaysia's New Year Reception" and during an interview with Bernama.
Wee Ka Siong pointed out that the Malaysian Chinese Association is constantly receiving and assisting Chinese individuals, government delegations, business associations, influential figures, think tank scholars, media, and universities, evidently recognizing Malaysia's advantages and opportunities. They seek assistance from the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) and Chinese organizations as a way to explore the market.
He mentioned that the Malaysian Chinese political party and organizations have always maintained good relations with China. The MCA collaborates well with the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. In recent years, the MCA has become familiar to the Chinese side due to actively promoting the "Belt and Road Initiative". Through this method, further cooperation with the Chinese side is being facilitated, primarily in liaison and reception.
"Many businesses approach us. Based on national interests, we promote Malaysia to them, explaining why they should come to Malaysia and what are the advantages. They don't have to take unnecessary paths and know what to do when problems arise."
Coinciding with Malaysia serving as the ASEAN rotating chair this year, when Chinese representatives attend regional official activities and wish to directly meet specific individuals or gather specific information, such as how to engage and implement trade and investment in Malaysia, these are areas where the MCA can contribute.
Wee Ka Siong pointed out that since 2009, when China became Malaysia's most important trading partner, the bilateral trade volume reached a historical high of 212 billion USD by 2024. In short, 18% of our country's trade is related to China. Given this, establishing mutual trust and promoting economic, cultural, and educational exchanges are very beneficial to both Malaysia and China.
He stated that China's domestic demand and requirements for Malaysian products have a significant impact on Malaysian companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises' exports, and on the Malaysian economy.