Despite the ongoing US-China trade war, China is still a formidable economic power. Its huge domestic market, rising technological prowess and its giant pool of enterprising risk-takers mean that it’d be foolish to brush off China economically.
In fact, China has embarked on a “One Belt, One Road” initiative involving infrastructure development and investments in some 152 countries in Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas. It’s a multi-billion US dollar project that lasts decades with geopolitical and economic implications.
Malaysia is also seeking to take advantage of the initiative. But many are still unsure about the Belt and Road initiative and how they can benefit from it. There are intricacies when doing business with China, especially when it comes to cultural norms and nuances. There’s also the geopolitical factor.
This was why SEGi University last week organised a “Belt and Road Initiative Forum in celebrating 45 years of Malaysia – China Relations”. The university invited experts from various fields to share their input. The guest-of-honour was former International Trade and Industry Minister, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz.
I am glad that the event was well-received and SEGi even signed Memorandums of Understanding with two Chinese enterprises.
