KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is set to experience a stronger economic growth this year, especially with its collaboration with China under the Belt and Road initiative, says Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.

The MCA president, who noted that Malaysia was among the earliest countries to support the initiative, said the country could now build on the investment relations that came under it.

Liow, who is also the Transport Minister, said trade between both countries stood at about RM10bil a month since 2017, and China was set to continue the same trend of investing in Malaysia.

“We are positive that with MCA taking a lead role in strengthening cooperation under the Belt and Road initiative, Malaysia will be able to pull off a stronger economic growth, especially this year,” he said after a central committee meeting at Wisma MCA yesterday.

He also spoke about the positive talks that he had with China’s leadership recently on various issues, including Malaysia’s export of uncleaned bird’s nest and the famous Musang King durian.

“Now China even says it is willing to import more of our palm oil. We are looking forward to many more of our products being exported to China,” he added.

To a better year: Liow (centre) with his wife Datin Seri Lee Su Loo tossing ‘yee sang’ with MCA veterans at the Chinese New Year dinner. Also with them are deputy president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (far right) and former president Tan Sri Tan Koon Swan (Liow’s right).

Liow also noted signs of economic improvement in the ringgit as well as low inflation and low unemployment rates.

“We are also looking at seamless transactions with the Singapore stock market,” he said.

On a separate matter, Liow said MCA would be hosting its annual Chinese New Year open house at Wisma MCA on Feb 16.

The Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister would be among the VIPs and dignitaries expected to join in the celebration, Liow said.

“We also welcome Malaysians of all races, including veterans and members of NGOs, to our open house,” he said.

MCA, he said, would be celebrating its 69th anniversary on March 3, with the attendance of representatives from China.

Later yesterday, Liow said the party was united and ready to take on more responsibilities to benefit the Chinese community.

He said this year was an important one for MCA as it was facing the general election and therefore needed the experience and wisdom of its veterans to help restore the party’s strength.

“Over the past four years, MCA has implemented various transformation programmes for the community, some of which were not done before but we managed to complete them all.

“Thanks to Chinese guilds and associations that have helped us resolve issues affecting the community, we have been able to present a good report card,” he said at a Chinese New Year dinner for MCA veterans and Chinese guilds and associations here.