KUALA LUMPUR: Digital economy should be the way forward as a major instrument in accomplishing China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and boosting the industry’s activities, says an expert.

       Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission member Datuk Wei Chuan Beng said the digital economy is crucial for Malaysia as well as other neighbouring countries in alleviate poverty via the idea of a digital village to improve healthcare, education and eCommerce.

       “It is through the digital economy that we have seen how China has alleviated their hardcore poverty,” he said during the CTGN-Bernama Belt and Road Special Joint Programme’s talk show.

       Additionally, he said the digital economy would also be a platform for the government to be more effective and efficient.

       Earlier in April, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia would continue to work with China in deepening the existing cooperation in the BRI and to expand economic cooperation in new growth areas such as green development and digital economy.

       During the three-day visit to China, Anwar said Malaysia would work closely with other Asean member states to ensure that the Asean-China Free Trade Area (ACFTA) benefits all parties involved.

       He said the ACFTA would not only deepen trade and investment within the region but also broaden economic benefits with the inclusion of new sectors, namely, digital economy, green economy, competition and consumer protection, as well as micro, small and medium enterprises. — Bernama

       StarPicks

       Indulge in tradition and taste