Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister (PETRA), Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof underscored the importance of expanding collaboration beyond politics and economics to encompass education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges today (May 7), during delivering his opening keynote speech at the Malaysia-China Commemorative Forum, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and the People’s Republic of China.
“Malaysia Madani, which was introduced in January 2023 shares the same common values and attributes of the Community Shared Future
(CSF) proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013. Both concepts advocate and promote innovation, care and compassion, inclusiveness as well as mutual respect,” Fadillah said.
Highlighting the historic significance of the occasion, Fadillah recalled the pivotal visit by Malaysia’s second Prime Minister, Tun Abdul Razak, to China in 1974, which laid the foundation for the enduring partnership between the two nations. Since then, Malaysia and China have forged a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), marked by robust political, economic, and cultural ties.
“Malaysia is confident that, through the implementation of the Plan of Action of the ASEAN-China Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, this cooperation will bring substantial benefits to the peoples of ASEAN and China and address future challenges in essential areas such as food security, clean energy, supply chain and public health emergency.
- With the establishment of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, China has become Malaysia’s largest trading partner. This relationship was further solidified through our engagement in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), catalysing economic growth and presenting new opportunities for businesses in both nations,” he added.
Addressing the economic front, Fadillah highlighted China’s significant role as Malaysia’s largest trading partner for the past 15 years, with total trade reaching USD98.80 billion in 2023.
He lauded China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) for enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic growth, citing landmark projects such as the “Two Countries, Twin Parks” initiative and the “East Coast Rail Link (ECRL)”.
“I also had the opportunity to undertake an official visit to Beijing and Shanghai in November 2023, which paved the way for greater bilateral collaboration including market access for fresh durian, which hopefully will be concluded soon and an increase of uptake of palm oil by China,” he added.
Looking ahead, Fadillah emphasised the potential for deeper cooperation in infrastructure, the digital economy, green development, and renewable energy. He outlined Malaysia’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, aligning with the Paris Agreement.
Malaysia and China Spearhead Global Green Energy Movement
Furthermore, Fadillah emphasised Malaysia’s unwavering commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, as outlined in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan. “Our goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, aligning with the Paris Agreement.
We have outlined this ambitious objective in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industrial Master Plan (NIMP),” he said.
Central to Malaysia’s development agenda is the prioritisation of green energy and environmental sustainability. Fadillah underscored the crucial importance of these elements, affirming Malaysia’s dedication to fostering a greener future for generations to come.
In collaboration with China, Malaysia is at the forefront of promoting renewable energy solutions. Both nations are heavily investing in clean technologies such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, leading the global transition towards sustainable energy sources.
Furthermore, Malaysia and China’s collaboration extends beyond technological advancements. Through active participation in knowledge-sharing initiatives, both nations aim to harness the immense potential of green energy and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This dual approach, characterised by innovation and sustainable development, not only promotes economic growth but also ensures environmental stewardship on a global scale.
