LIoW TIonG LAI
2016-03-30MinisterofTransportofMalaysiaandPresidentofMalaysianChineseAssociation
Minister of Transport of Malaysia and President of Malaysian Chinese Association
LIoW TIonG LAI
Minister of Transport of Malaysia and President of Malaysian Chinese Association
Malaysia has been playing the role of a “transfer station” ever since the trade between the East and the West began and the Maritime Silk Road came into being. It is where the Chinese, Indian, Islamic,and modern Western civilizations have exerted their influence over the years. Such influence is an important base on which Malaysia pursues development.
Malaysia is now at an important stage of political reform and economic transformation. The “Belt and Road”Initiative means opportunity to Malaysia in this regard. Malaysia is a multi-ethnic society and has 13 political parties. We need to unite all sectors and translate our diverse culture into international competitiveness. The exchanges between Malaysia and China date back a long time ago and our people-to-people exchanges have become increasingly frequent. President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of promoting cooperation in five areas when proposing the“Belt and Road” Initiative. There has been productive cooperation between Malaysia and China in terms of policy coordination, people-to-people bonds, and unimpeded trade. In the future, the two sides will focus on infrastructure connectivity and financial integration.