KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian and Chinese entrepreneurs will be provided a business matching service with the launch of the Malaysia-China “Belt and Road” Economic and Trade Information Consultation Centre.MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong, who disclosed this, said the platform under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was to effectively connect businesses on both sides.

Welcoming Chinese investors to Malaysia, he said the centre will guide them “to the right and trustworthy partners and avoid pitfalls.”

Speaking at the launch of the centre at Wisma MCA yesterday, he urged businesses in both countries looking to develop beyond their borders to consider registering at the centre.

He encouraged Chinese enterprises to consider expanding into Malaysia, adding that the absence of language barriers and cultural differences was among the main advantages.

He said Chinese companies could train local employees to understand the business needs of the two countries, aligning with future commercial trends, adding that 50,000 students from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) were well qualified to be recruited by Chinese companies.

“These institutions have an impressive 97% employment rate for graduates, with the remaining 3% venturing into entrepreneurship. This creates a mutually beneficial scenario where Chinese companies can hire suitable employees, with the graduates gaining valuable job opportunities,” said Dr Wee.

He also said a major conference co-hosted by MCA and Malaysia-China Friendship Association was scheduled at Wisma MCA on Dec 2 and 3, which would be attended by hundreds of Chinese entrepreneurs and exhibitors.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who recently visited China, has confirmed his attendance to engage with the business leaders, he added.

MCA-PRC Affairs & BRI Committee chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng said besides helping with business connections, the centre would also help create new opportunities for collaboration and involve more small and medium enterprises (SMEs), with services provided at no charge.

“Businesses from various parts of China, including Fujian, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hubei, Hunan, Beijing, Shanghai and more, are already in contact with us,” he said.

Also present at the launch were MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and committee deputy chairmen Datuk Koh Chin Han, who is also its secretary, and Datuk Kang Meng Fuat.

Businesses interested to register for the centre’s services can fill out the form at https://mcaprcbri.mca.org.my/

Working together: Dr Wee (centre) launching the Belt and Road Economic and Trade Information Consultation Centre together with (from left) Kang, Tan, Mah and Koh. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/10/06/match-making-chinese-and-malaysian-firms