Anwar hosts roundtable with China’s elite business figures

BEIJING – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim kicked off his last day in China with a meeting featuring 50 captains of industry here.

In the one-hour roundtable, he had the opportunity to receive feedback, among others, from the high-profile business leaders in China.

They represent some 36 companies in high-tech industries, digital economy, automotive, services, manufacturing, import-export, and infrastructure.

The atmosphere in the meeting was described as optimistic and the representatives were said to be eager to bring investments into Malaysia.

Organised by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority and the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, it is an opportunity for the prime minister and the accompanying minister to engage directly with the business leaders.

Anwar was accompanied by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Zambry Abd Kadir, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, and Malaysian ambassador to China, Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin as well as Ayer Hitam MP Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong.

Anwar is also scheduled to meet China’s Premier Li Qiang in the evening, where the two will have a bilateral meeting at the Great Hall of the People here.

Li is also hosting a state banquet to welcome Anwar.

China is one of eight countries Anwar has visited since he took office some four months ago. 

Anwar, in his keynote speech at the Malaysia-China Business Forum that took place immediately after, said the roundtable was an unprecedented gathering that has not been seen in recent years.

He also shared that he had “meaningful discussions” with the business leaders and is optimistic about the future of Malaysian businesses. – The Vibes, April 1, 2023