- China and Malaysia mark 11 years of BRI with stronger ties
- East Coast Rail Link nears completion, set for 2026–2027 launch
- New focus on NEVs, green energy, and digital economy sectors
As the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) celebrating its 11th anniversary, the collaboration between China and Malaysia has transitioned into a new stage characterized by multi-faceted and deeply integrated partnership, covering infrastructure, the digital economy, and green transformation — presenting significant potential for the future, stated Loh Wee Keng, chairman of the Malaysian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China (MayCham China), in an interview with the Global Times at the 2025 China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing.
In its role as the ASEAN chair for this year, Malaysia has upheld strong trade relations with China. In 2024, bilateral commerce surpassed 1.5 trillion yuan ($212 billion), with China continuing to be Malaysia's top trading partner for over ten years. Malaysia is the second-largest trading partner of China within ASEAN.
Loh mentioned that a standout accomplishment of China-Malaysia collaboration under the BRI is the "Two Countries, Twin Parks" initiative — the Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park and the China-Malaysia Qinzhou Industrial Park, both of which have been functioning for more than ten years. "Both parks are now almost fully occupied," he noted, referring to the model as a standard for two-sided industrial cooperation.
Loh emphasized that the key BRI project collaboratively constructed by Malaysia and China, the East Coast Rail Link, is currently in its last phase of construction and is anticipated to start operations by late 2026 or early 2027. Loh conveyed optimism that additional large-scale infrastructure initiatives would be effectively initiated and executed in Malaysia in the upcoming years.
"Our foundation in infrastructure cooperation is strong," Loh said. He indicated that numerous major initiatives in Penang, such as a new international airport, are advancing with significant involvement from Chinese companies. "We expect more Chinese capital and technology to enter Malaysia in the coming years."
Loh highlighted that the importance of CISCE for Malaysian businesses lies in its focus on green energy, the digital economy, and advanced manufacturing, which aligns well with Malaysia's current development needs. He particularly emphasized new energy vehicles (NEVs) as a "significant opportunity" for upcoming collaboration between China and Malaysia.
"China is a global leader in NEV production, battery technology, and smart driving," Loh said. "Malaysia, meanwhile, has a relatively mature automotive industry, semiconductor supply chain, and communications infrastructure. This provides a strong foundation for building a complementary industrial ecosystem."
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"Malaysia is a natural partner for Chinese companies going global," Loh stressed, "especially in fields such as digital economy and new energy."
He noted that, in contrast to nations with established automotive industries, Malaysia has more flexibility in shifting to NEVs. "The market here is more open, responsive to policy, and better suited for absorbing Chinese technologies and production capacity."
Loh mentioned that China and Malaysia have significant industrial complementarity and that ASEAN economy, such as Malaysia, can reduce external volatility by strengthening trade and industrial connections with China, fostering more stable long-term growth.
"Malaysia's strengths in semiconductors, automotive manufacturing, and food processing — combined with ASEAN's young population — create strong momentum for internal demand."