MALAYSIA-CHINA TO STRENGTHEN COOPERATION IN SCIENCE, SPACE, VACCINE AND AGRICULTURE - JOINT STATEMENT

KUALA LUMPUR, April 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia and China have pledged to deepen cooperation in science, technology and innovation, including key areas such as space, vaccine development and agriculture.

A joint statement issued in conjunction with Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Malaysia, which concluded today, noted that both countries expressed their commitment to fully leveraging the intergovernmental Joint Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation.

Through the implementation of the China-Malaysia Joint Research Project and the Science and Technology People-to-People Exchange Programme, both sides aimed to establish joint research and development (R&D) platforms, including laboratory, enhance collaboration in science parks and technology transfer and foster cooperation in emerging technologies.

Guided by the principles of equality and mutual benefit, both countries also expressed their readiness to advance space capabilities, foster the development of the new space economy, drive technological advancements, and contribute to national security.

“Both sides recognised the significant potential to strengthen partnerships under the agreement between the Government of the People's Republic of China and the Government of Malaysia on Space Cooperation and the Peaceful Use of Outer Space cooperation framework,” the statement read.

In the health sector, the statement noted that the Agreement on Cooperation in Vaccine Development and Accessibility has facilitated expert technical training for the two countries, advancing collaboration in human vaccine development.

“It has also strengthened capabilities in vaccine innovation through technology transfer, expert exchange, and resource sharing,” it said.

According to the statement, Malaysia and China will also make full use of the Joint Working Group on Agricultural Cooperation to strengthen cooperation on agricultural modernisation and agricultural technology innovation.

Both sides will explore the possibility of cooperation within the framework of Import and Export Food Safety Mechanism for the Countries of the Belt and Road Initiative, and expressed willingness to expand trade in agricultural products.

“The Chinese side will actively attend the international exhibitions held in Malaysia such as the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) and the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition & Conference Malaysia (IGEM).

“China also welcomes Malaysia to continue promoting Malaysian products and expanding exports to China through platforms such as the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) and the China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO),” it said.

Leveraging China’s successful experiences in targeted poverty alleviation and rural development, the joint statement noted that Malaysia seeks to integrate best practices into its national development initiatives, including the current Five-Year Development Plan, Ekonomi MADANI and its commitment towards achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs).

Key priority areas include enhancing data-driven poverty alleviation through some platforms adopting innovative agricultural technologies like precision agriculture to support initiatives such as the People’s Income Initiative (IPR) and promoting rural economic growth through e-commerce.

“By strengthening these mechanisms, both countries aim to foster inclusive growth, resilience, and equitable development that directly benefits grassroots communities, particularly marginalised groups such as rural poor, women, youth, Bumiputera and indigenous populations, including the Orang Asli,” it said.

Xi’s three-day visit, which began on Tuesday, was at the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years since 2009. In 2024, total trade between the two countries was valued at RM484.12 billion, accounting for 16.8 per cent of Malaysia's global trade of RM2.88 trillion.

-- BERNAMA