KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof is confident that the strong and long-standing partnership between Malaysia and China will continue to serve as a catalyst for inclusive, sustainable and competitive economic growth in the region.
Fadillah, who is also Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister, noted that the two countries have built a close friendship over the years that has evolved in line with global developments.
“Strategic areas of cooperation should be further strengthened and expanded, particularly in renewable energy, the digital economy, artificial intelligence (AI), modern agriculture, and smart water treatment and management technologies,” he said in a statement on Facebook on Thursday (Sept 18).
Fadillah said that after delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the 22nd China-Asean Expo (CAExpo) in Nanning, China, on Wednesday (Sept 18), he also held talks with China’s Vice President Han Zheng.
He also emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to its National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which serves as the central framework for the country’s green energy transition and its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“At the same time, Malaysia plays a key role in advancing the Asean Power Grid agenda to strengthen regional energy integration, ensure energy security, and drive Asean’s sustainable development,” he added.
On Tuesday (Sept 16), Fadillah began leading Malaysia’s official delegation on a working visit to China, which runs until Sept 23.
According to the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Ministry, CAExpo is a prestigious regional trade and investment platform that brings together leaders from Asean and China.
In line with the aspirations of Malaysia Madani, it said, the visit reflects the country’s continued efforts to take on a larger role in Asean-China cooperation and its positioning as a proactive, inclusive and resilient strategic partner at both regional and global levels. – Bernama