MALAYSIA is expected to receive a significant increase in foreign direct investment (FDI), following Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com's expressed interest in expanding its logistics operations in the country, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced on Tuesday.
In a statement shared via his official social media channels, Anwar welcomed JD.com's plans, highlighting Malaysia’s strategic location as a potential logistics hub in Southeast Asia.
“This will, in turn, create more employment opportunities for Malaysians. At the same time, JD.com also intends to purchase more Malaysian products for the Chinese market,” he said.
Anwar, who is on a four-day official working visit to China, held a 30-minute meeting in Beijing with JD.com’s senior management. He was accompanied by Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, and Minister of Home Affairs Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The JD.com delegation was led by Hu Wei, CEO of JD Logistics and Executive Committee Member of JD.com Group.
Founded in 1998, JD.com is listed on the NASDAQ 100 and ranks among the Fortune Global 500.
It is China’s largest e-commerce retailer, serving over 580 million customers across the country. The company operates China’s most extensive fulfilment infrastructure, capable of delivering 90 percent of orders on the same day or the following day.
Anwar also met with the China Semiconductor Industry Association (CSIA) earlier, the main body representing over 1,400 semiconductor companies in China.
“During the meeting, I reiterated Malaysia’s commitment to becoming a major player in the global semiconductor industry, as outlined in our National Semiconductor Strategy (NSS),” Anwar said.
“As an open economy, the MADANI Government will continue to attract quality investments, explore new opportunities, and develop strategic sectors for the prosperity of our people and a brighter future for Malaysia.”
The meeting with CSIA has drawn the attention of industry observers, especially as Malaysia is preparing to establish its second Chip Design Park in Cyberjaya. Construction is expected to begin as early as the first quarter of 2026 under the NSS, as Malaysia positions itself as a neutral and strategic node in the global chip supply chain.
Aside from industrial engagements, day three of the Prime Minister’s visit saw a courtesy call on Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People at 6 pm, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening longstanding Kuala Lumpur–Beijing ties.
According to Bernama, this marks the fourth in-person meeting between the two leaders, following their last encounter in Putrajaya during Xi’s state visit to Malaysia in April.
Later in the evening, Anwar is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, followed by a special state dinner hosted by Li at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in honour of Anwar and his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to China, Datuk Norman Muhamad, noted that the dinner, held on behalf of President Xi, is the only exclusive state banquet organised by the Chinese government for a visiting leader during this period. - Sept 2, 2025
