What to expect from M'sia at China's Belt and Road Forum
The Malaysian delegation led by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to China's Belt and Road Forum 2019 in the Chinese capital will focus on three core issues.
International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Ong Kian Ming said these are:
Expectations of policy adjustments and refinements on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects from a transparency and financing standpoint ...
The Malaysian delegation led by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad to China's Belt and Road Forum 2019 in the Chinese capital will focus on three core issues.
International Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Ong Kian Ming said these are:
- Expectations of policy adjustments and refinements on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects from a transparency and financing standpoint
- Specific areas of strategic cooperation and interests
- Challenges in the execution and implementation of BRI projects.
On the second point of strategic interests, Ong said these would be on food safety; logistics connectivity; research, development and product innovation; research activity and dispute resolution.
Ong outlined these points at a forum in Kuala Lumpur on what to expect from the prime minister's working visit to Beijing next week.
At a question-and-answer session after the forum, Ong said Mahathir's remarks at the Beijing event would send strong signals to other countries.
“So whatever the prime minister says, especially at the leaders' forum, this will send a very strong signal to the other countries who are participating in the BRI forum in terms of Malaysia involvement and commitment to the BRI, “ he said.
This, he said, was in light of Malaysia and China coming to terms on a new deal for the former's controversial East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project.
Later, at a press conference, Ong said palm oil exports to China may also be discussed by Malaysian leaders although he is unsure if any deals will be signed.
Ong said tentatively, the ministers accompanying Mahathir would be Darell Leiking (International Trade and Industry), Anthony Loke (Transport), Yeo Bee Yin (Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change) and Saifuddin Abdullah (Foreign Affairs).
Also included is Malaysia special envoy to China Tan Kok Wai.
The Belt and Road Forum will be held on April 26 and 27.
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