Establish "Green Coalition" To Enhance Malaysia-China Economic Ties

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia should establish a "green coalition" as an investment link with China to bring closer economic ties between the two countries, says Advisor for the Third World Chinese Economic Forum Dr Chua Soi Lek. He said the green coalition concept combines Malaysia's strength in the electronics industry with China's forefront industrial policies to promote green technology. More than 80 per cent of China's energy was still sourced from coal and the Chinese government was looking for alternative ways to fuel its rapidly-expanding economy in a cleaner and safer way, he said. China is now among the world's leading solar panel producer. It also recently implemented its 12th five-year strategic plan which has placed solar energy as part of its National Security strategy to ensure long- term energy supply sustainability. "A total of RMB2 trillion will be invested in the industry to build solar and wind farms in the western part of China," said Dr Chua, who is also MCA President, at a special session entitled "How the Malaysian Chinese Community Can Develop Closer Trade and Investment Linkages With China" at the Third World Chinese Economic Forum here on Friday. Dr Chua said Malaysia's strength lies in the solar industry which attracted investments worth nillions from world renowned solar companies in Germany, the United States, Taiwan, Japan and China. "The reason for their move to Malaysia over other destinations is Malaysia's strong electronics base and experience and it is easy for foreign investors to set up factories here," he said. He proposed a three-pronged approach for green coalition including promoting stronger industry backing and policies focused on green energy, leveraging on Malaysia's strong foreign investments in the solar industry. It should also leverage on China's commitment to green technology and green energy, facilitating and developing people-to-people connectivity in green technology and energy as a way to bring public awareness and engaging and educating the future generation on the importance of preserving the environment. Dr Chua said the green coalition idea would bring Malaysia to the next level of collaborations with China, leveraging on the present strength built on historical links and heritage between the two friendly nations. Riding on the new media as a platform was crucial to establish strategic linkages between Malaysians and Chinese nationals to encourage technological know-how exchanges, he said. "This effort can be eventually extended to academia, business and public education as green energy and preservation have to be supported and adopted by all," he added. -- BERNAMA Malaysia