Capitalise on multilingual, multi-ethnic strengths, Malaysians firms told

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corp (Matrade) has urged Malaysian industry players to make use of their multi-lingual and multi-ethnic strengths to complement the China’s state-owned enterprises to expand further under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros, said Malaysia’s strong position in Islamic financial, coupled with close relations with the Islamic nations, could also assist the Chinese companies move further among the 65 countries under the initiative.

Mohd Shahreen was speaking to reporters after delivering his keynote address at the “Belt and Road Initiative: Connecting China, Hong Kong and Malaysia” forum here yesterday.

He said the BRI covered 65 countries with a combined population of 4.4 billion people, representing 63 per cent of the world’s population.

“Hence, we should leverage on the opportunities and expand further, rather than just being a passive bystander,” he said.

Mohd Shahreen said the three main focuses – infrastructure, connectivity and people-to-people relations – had always been emphasised under the BRI.

“Infrastructure has been playing the major role, which is why we see a lot of infrastructure projects such as the East Coast Rail Link and port projects in Malaysia,” he said.

With huge capital expenditure being pumped in through the projects, he said, it would propel businesses from various areas such as export and import , as well as goods and services.

“In the long run, connectivity will further enhance the tourism industry. This initiative is definitely a positive note for Malaysians to grow trade,” he said.