Chinese investments will continue to stream into Malaysia, particularly in the real estate, manufacturing and logistics segments, Knight Frank Malaysia Sdn Bhd executive director Allan Sim said.

China has invested RM4.77 billion in 33 local manufacturing projects and is also involved in 22 property development projects, with an accumulated gross development value of RM581.2 billion.

Sim said the tie-up between both countries, especially for the KLIA Aeropolis Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ) park and other projects in the e-commerce segment, could potentially spark more interest in the logistics segment.

Funds from China’s One Belt, One Road initiative is being used to finance the Kuala Linggi International Port (KLIP) at a cost of RM12.5 billion.

“This is just beginning of a more potential collaboration, as e-commerce is booming. It seems that it (e-commerce) is not going to stop, and this might lead to more ports in Malaysia being expanded to cater to demands from the industry,” Sim said.

He was speaking after launching the research report on Chinese investment trends across the Asia Pacific in Kuala Lumpur today.

The report revealed that despite China’s curbs on capital flight, as well as the property glut on the domestic front, Chinese interest in Malaysia remains, with the focus on manufacturing, logistics, construction and real estate.

More Chinese developers are also seen to be participating in smaller and niche projects, targeting the domestic market.

Asked whether this would negatively affect domestic developers, Sim said the local industry would benefit from this as the transfer of technology can be anticipated, while more manufacturers are expected to set up production facilities locally.

The report also noted that between 15 percent and 25 percent of the 500 large Chinese corporates had highlighted that they were looking to invest in Asean, with Malaysia as a preferred destination.

“Tariff-free access to regional markets, lower operational costs and tax incentives are among the attractive offers that entice these investors,” the report said.

- Bernama