PETALING JAYA: Malaysia hopes to strengthen cooperation with China to develop its transport and logistics industries and to achieve a win-win situation for both countries, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       The Transport Minister said he was honoured to accept the invitation from his counterpart from China, Li Xiaopeng, to attend the second United Nations Global Sustainable Transport Conference on behalf of Malaysia, virtually.

       Dr Wee added that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the conference will be conducted both online and physically from Oct 14 to 16 in Beijing.

       "Today, I had a video conference with China's Transport Minister, Li.

       "I sincerely thanked the Chinese government for their invitation.

       "Malaysia, as a developing country with a rapidly growing economy, needs the opportunities to cooperate and connect with other countries to promote nation building.

       "I would also like to thank the Chinese government for providing this platform to all Asean countries," he said in a statement on Friday (Sept 24).

       Dr Wee said he had shared with Li regarding Malaysia's ambitions and plans to build and develop the maritime industry.

       "The Strait of Malacca, South China Sea, and the neighbouring areas of the Strait of Singapore all harbour great potential for development," he said.

       "Majority of the 20 busiest ports in the world are located in China while Malaysia’s Port Klang and Port of Tanjung Pelepas are also in the list," he noted.

       Dr Wee said there is a lot more to learn from his Chinese counterpart in terms of expediting modernisation, automation and internationalisation of the logistics and port industries.

       "Following the construction of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), I believe the country’s port and logistics sectors will see a transformational change.

       "The network of ports will surely have a positive impact on the country’s economy.

       "Therefore, it is our hope that Malaysia will have a stronger and improved cooperation with China to develop our transport and logistics industries and create a win-win situation," he added.