On 4 October 2013, President Xi Jinping and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak attended the China-Malaysia Economic Summit in Kuala Lumpur and delivered important speeches on strengthening the practical cooperation between the two countries and China's economic development, hoping that business people of the two countries will seize opportunities, and continue to write a new chapter of mutually beneficial cooperation.
Xi Jinping said that the mutually beneficial cooperation has continued to deepen since the two countries established diplomatic relations 39 years ago. China has been Malaysia's largest trading partner for four consecutive years, while Malaysia has been China's largest trading partner in ASEAN for five years in a row. Bilateral cooperation in various fields has been in the forefront of cooperation between China and other ASEAN countries.
Xi Jinping pointed out that Asia remains the most dynamic region with the greatest potential in the world. At the same time, Asian countries still face arduous tasks to develop economy and improve people's livelihood, and the deep impact of the international financial crisis has not ended. Countries in the region should focus more on development and carry forward the Asia spirit of unity, cooperation and pulling together in times of trouble so as to safeguard long-term stability and development in Asia.
Xi Jinping pointed out that cooperation between China and Malaysia has broad prospects, which will benefit the two countries and the region. During my visit, both sides agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, painting a better blueprint for the development of bilateral relations.
Xi Jinping put forward the following suggestions on strengthening cooperation between the two countries. First, expanding bilateral trade, and striving to bring bilateral trade value to 160 billion US dollars in 2017. Second, promoting mutual investment, continuing to support the construction of Qinzhou and Kuantan industrial parks, and encouraging Chinese enterprises to actively participate in Malaysia's six development corridors and other projects. Third, expanding financial cooperation and the scale of bilateral currency swap, and avoiding financial risks. Fourth, deepening cooperation in agriculture and fishery, and continuing to strengthen cooperation in natural rubber planting and processing, agricultural machinery trade, fishing, deepwater aquaculture, and other areas. Fifth, jointly promoting regional cooperation, creating an open, inclusive and win-win cooperative environment, and promoting common development.
Xi Jinping introduced China's economic development, and stressed that China unswervingly promotes reform and opening up and accelerates the transformation of economic development patterns and economic restructuring. The Chinese economy is running more steadily with higher quality of growth and more sustainable growth prospects, and China's opening to the outside world focuses more on win-win cooperation and pays more attention to common prosperity. China will make greater contributions to promoting prosperity of Asia and the world. We hope that businessmen of the two countries shall seize opportunities and continue to write a new chapter of mutually beneficial cooperation.
In his speech, Najib Razak hailed the substantial achievements of Malaysia-China relations and actively responded to China's suggestions on cooperation. Najib Razak said that at present, Asia's economy maintains strong growth momentum and the status of Asia is increasingly growing in the international arena. The rosy prospect of Asia's development is interlinked with the Chinese dream of national prosperity and rejuvenation and people's happiness. Malaysia and China are important partners, and the two countries should take the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership as an important opportunity to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation and realize common development, making greater contributions to promoting the peace and prosperity of the region and the world. Malaysia welcomes Chinese enterprises to increase investment in Malaysia and hopes that the enterprises of both countries shall play a more active role in the bilateral economic construction and regional cooperation.
Xi Jinping and Najib Razak also jointly witnessed the signing of an intergovernmental five-year development plan on economic and trade cooperation and a number of cooperative agreements on Qinzhou and Kuantan industrial parks.
Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu, Yang Jiechi, and many government ministers of Malaysia, were present.
On the afternoon of that day, Peng Liyuan came to the National Theater of Malaysia, accompanied by Prime Minister Najib Razak's wife Rosmah Mansor, and attended a special concert of the arts education program for children in Malaysia.
The singing and dancing performed by the children not only had a strong Malaysian traditional flavor, but also had a modern touch, expressing their aspiration for world peace and human harmony. Children sang in Chinese Let the World Be Filled with Love, making the highlight of the concert. At the end of the performance, Peng Liyuan walked onto the stage, and took group pictures with the children.
Peng Liyuan also attended an exhibition of traditional Malaysian handcrafts and costumes, and watched demonstration of the craftsmanship.