Malaysia and China are strengthening strategic cooperation in the transport sector through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Transport Cooperation, as per a statement by Malaysia’s Ministry of Transport (MOT). The agreement follows a bilateral meeting between Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke and his Chinese counterpart Liu Wei during Loke’s official visit to Beijing. The development establishes a formal basis for deeper transport sector cooperation between the two countries, covering multiple modes of transportation and logistics.
“The MoU establishes a formal framework for bilateral strategic cooperation covering land, rail, maritime and air transport, as well as the logistics sector,” the ministry statement said.
“Among the areas of focus are the exchange of technical expertise, capacity building, the use of artificial intelligence technology, green transport and the development of low-carbon infrastructure,” it added.
Focus on Connectivity, Efficiency and Sustainability
During the meeting, Malaysia and China exchanged views on efforts to expand strategic cooperation in the transport sector while improving the connectivity, efficiency and sustainability of the transport systems of both countries. The transport sector cooperation is expected to support Malaysia’s capacity in policymaking and improve supply chain efficiency, while also helping attract Chinese technology investments. According to MOT, these efforts are expected to strengthen Malaysia’s role as a regional transport hub for Asean.
Loke also witnessed the signing of an MoU on Civil Aviation Safety Cooperation between the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). The agreement was signed by CAAM chief executive officer Datuk Captain Norazman Mahmud and CAAC deputy administrator Hu Zhenjiang.
Civil Aviation and Rail Cooperation
“The CAAM-CAAC cooperation covers the approval of qualifications, certification and oversight of aviation organisations, licensing and oversight of flight operations,” the ministry statement said.
“The MoU will help strengthen Malaysia’s civil aviation safety standards, reduce duplication in technical processes and facilitate the movement of aeronautical products and services between the two countries,” it added.
Loke also paid a courtesy call on National Railway Administration of China administrator Song Xiude to exchange views on the development and regulation of the rail sector, operational safety, capacity building and the use of technology in rail systems. The discussions further extended the scope of Malaysia-China transport sector cooperation to rail development and regulation, with both sides addressing operational safety, capacity building and technology use.
“The visit reflects the close and mature relations between Malaysia and China, as well as the commitment of both countries to translate those relations into practical, high-impact and mutually beneficial transport cooperation,” MOT said.
