KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has pledged to deepen trade links and boost private investments with Chengdu.
Delegates gathered at the Chengdu-Kuala Lumpur Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange event, here, recently, to discuss opportunities that could lead to a new chapter of cooperation that started in 2009.
Themed “Sharing the Opportunities of the Century, Reshaping the Glory of the Silk Road”, the event aimed to bring “Made-inChengdu” products to Malaysia and vice-versa, as well as building a platform for potential cooperation in trade and investments.
The Chengdu economic and trade delegation, led by Chengdu Municipal People’s Government deputy mayor Liu Xiaoliu, comprised representatives from Chengdu Municipal Bureau of Commerce, Investment Promotion Commission, Port and Logistics Office as well as Chengdubased enterprises.
More than 20 companies from Chengdu took part in the event, which showcased food and agriculture products, medical equipment, logistic goods and services.
They included Sichuan Goodchains Supply Chain Management, Chengdu International Trade City, Tri-Meds Innovation Centre and Tian Fu Panda, Kuanzhai Food Investment.
Three cooperation agreements worth RM177.2 million were signed at the event between Malaysian company PUC Bhd and Sichuan Goodchains Supply Chain Management Co Ltd, Whitewave Global Consulting, Yisha Chengdu International Trade City Co Ltd and One Belt One Road South East Asian NGOs Alliance (Oborseana), PIHH Development Sdn Bhd and Chengdu Restaurant Industry Association.
Chengdu Investment Promotion Commission deputy director He Li said Chengdu had established a modern industrial system as well as significant expertise in financial services, modern logistics, exhibitions and cultural tourism sectors.
This, he said, could lead to value-accretive collaboration between Chengdu and Kuala Lumpur.
Chengdu Port and Logistics Office deputy director Liu Shuguo said Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu had room for more cooperation in route networks, international channels, port services and logistics industries.
To improve cooperation, Chengdu would provide comprehensive policy support, said Liu Shuguo.
Xiaoliu said Malaysia was an important trade partner for Chengdu in Southeast Asia.
In the first eight months of the year, total trade volume between Chengdu and Malaysia was 19.7 billion yuan (RM11.6 billion), the second-highest among Asean countries.
Malaysia had 96 enterprises in Chengdu and the cumulative use of foreign capital was about US$900 million (RM3.7 billion), she added.
“With this bilateral trade and cooperation exchange, we hope local and Chengdu enterprises will foster closer ties in equipment, technology, engineering, procurement, construction and other project financing,” said Xiaoliu.
“We welcome Malaysian entrepreneurs to invest in Chengdu, bringing more quality projects, products and services and work, to create a bright future for mutual benefits, and jointly bring the relationship between Chengdu and Malaysia to a new height.”
Malaysia External Trade Development Corp director Khairul Annuar Abdul Halim said with the bilateral trade and cooperation exchange, enterprises from the two cities would be able to foster closer ties in equipment, technology, engineering, procurement, construction and other project financing.