F REIGN TRADE - 中国国际贸易促进委员会

ASIA-pACIFIC
Promising Bilateral Trade Expansion
Between Malaysia and China
By Alice Yang
H.E. Mr. Iskandar Sarudin
Ambassador of Malaysia to China
According to China Customs,
the total trade value of import
and export between
China and Malaysia reached
US$74.22 billion in the year of 2010,
an impressive increase of 42.8% year
on year. Among them, China’s export
to Malaysia accounted for US$23.81
billion, 21.3% growth upon the last
year, and the import value amounted
to US$50.41 billion, 55.9% increase
compared with 2009. Based on the
cheerful trade exchange between two
countries, China’s Foreign Trade conducted
a special interview with H.E.
Mr. Iskandar Sarudin, Ambassador of
Malaysia to China.
Q
: How did you introduce Malaysia
to Chinese? During your
time in China, what impressed you
most?
A
: There are a lot of elements that
I can put forward in promoting
Malaysia to the world in general and
to China in particular. Malaysia has a
vast area of green forest, beautiful sandy
beaches and islands for eco–tourism.
Apart from that, we can also provide
historical places for the cultural loving
visitors, and shopping haven to satisfy shopaholics. I also believe that our unique cultural
diversity with strong spirit of hospitality will impress the visitors from China
and make their stay in Malaysia an experience that can be cherished forever. In addition,
we offer anything and everything that you wish to see in Asia, as the slogan
of our tourism goes, ‘Malaysia is Truly Asia.’
As for my impression on China, China is an ancient country with thousands
of history. The pace of moderation and development is breathtaking. On top of that,
I admire the hard work and determination of the people of China, by giving their
support to the Government, especially in ensuring the successful organizing of
world events. The year 2010 has seen China has managed to organize successfully
two events in Shanghai and Guangzhou, which is not an easy task to achieve without
the commitment of everybody involved.
Q
: China-ASEAN FTA opened at the beginning of 2010. What influence
has it generated in the cooperation between China and Malaysia?
And what is to be expected in the future?
A
: The full implementation of the FTA between ASEAN and China is a big
leap towards closer regional integration between ASEAN and China. Malaysia
and China have always shared very close bilateral relations particularly in the areas
of trade, investment, tourism, education, cultural and economic cooperation. The
priority would be to further enhance this relation to a higher level of collaboration.
Q
: What are your comments on the mutual trade relationship between
China and Malaysia? What is your hope for the future development?
A
: Malaysia and China continues to foster strong bilateral trade relation and in
2009, total trade between Malaysia and China was valued at US$ 51.838 billion.
It accounted for 2.3% of China’s total trade with the world.
In 2009, Malaysia has emerged as China’s:
• Largest trading partner;
• Second largest export destination;
• Largest source of import.
In terms of ranking, Malaysia was China’s:
• 8th largest trading partner;
• 14th largest export destination;
• 7th largest source of import.
China by the sheer size of its market has vast potential that can benefit Malaysia
and I strongly believe the future for bilateral trade expansion is very promising.
I also encourage businessmen from China to source their products from Malaysia,
which has a thriving manufacturing sector.
Q
: How is the investment situation from China to Malaysia? Which
fields are most welcome for foreign investment there? For those Chinese
enterprises who wish to invest in Malaysia, what recommendation
will you give?
A
: In the first three quarters of 2010, investment inflows from China to Malaysia
reached US$283 million (RM 914 million). In the area manufacturing, investments
worth US$156.3 million were approved in the first 9 months of 2010.
Malaysia continues to offer investment opportunities in a wide range of areas.
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